Coalition MPs free to speak out: Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull says he leads a team of "talented individuals" who are entitled to speak their minds on issues from Syria to student fees.

In recent weeks a number of coalition MPs have publicly spoken out contrary to government policy.

Liberal senators Eric Abetz and Cory Bernardi defied the government and crossed the floor of parliament on Thursday to support a move to give university students a say on whether they should pay a services and amenities fee.

Several coalition MPs including former prime minister Tony Abbott have called for "boots on the ground" in Iraq and Syria in an effort to bolster Australia's efforts against the Islamic State group.

The prime minister told the ABC's 7.30 program all coalition MPs were entitled to express their views.

He rejected suggestions there was an "insurgency" involving conservative MPs who supported Mr Abbott.

"If you are a leader of a political party you are leading a team of talented individuals," Mr Turnbull said.

"And they've all got an enormous amount to contribute."

He said there was a long tradition in the Liberal party of members crossing the floor on votes.

Mr Turnbull himself crossed the floor in 2010 when he voted with Labor in support of its emissions trading scheme.

"We are a party of freedom," he said.

The prime minister said he'd had a "good chat" with Mr Abbott since taking his job in September.

"Tony and I obviously have had some differences at different times, but we've known each other for a very long time and we have been, and always will be, able to have a very cordial discussion."

Mr Turnbull said he was confident in his role and looking forward to an election in 2016.