ACTU wants to work with Malcolm Turnbull on reform

Unions are ready to roll up their sleeves to help bring about urgently needed government reforms, including critical changes to the tax system.

The ACTU will attend Malcolm Turnbull's mini-summit of business, union and community leaders in Canberra on Thursday - a follow-up to a privately sponsored reform gathering in August.

The prime minister is expected to be presented with a lengthy wish list at the three-hour gathering that includes reforms to tax, workplace relations, retirement and education.

ACTU secretary Dave Oliver, who received a phone call from Mr Turnbull inviting him to attend the meeting, said unions want to engage on the "high road of reform" and not the low road of reducing wages, stripping conditions or cost shifting on to working families.

"Cutting your way to growth doesn't work," Mr Oliver said.

"The European experience of austerity measures has shown that this is a lazy and destructive answer which is not a path to long-term, sustainable economic growth."

The Australian Council of Social Service chief executive Cassandra Goldie also received a call from the prime minister asking for her participation.

Her deputy, Tessa-Boyd Caine, said the group was heartened by the prime minister indicating more inclusive consultations on economic reform.

"We really value his comments about consensus and a community-focused process," Ms Caine told AAP.