AG, solicitor-general are a team: PM

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is confident the stoush between the attorney-general and the solicitor-general will be resolved eventually.

As a Senate committee began an inquiry hearing into the public dispute between George Brandis and Justin Gleeson over controversial new legal advice rules, Mr Turnbull stressed the two were a team.

"They support each other," he told reporters in Canberra on Friday.

"I am sure whatever differences or misunderstandings will be resolved."

Mr Turnbull said it was important to remember the attorney-general was the first law officer whom even he would turn to for advice in the first place.

It was always appropriate for a prime minister to consult with the attorney-general about seeking counsel from the second law officer.

"It is inconceivable that the attorney-general would say 'No, I don't want you to seek the advice of the solicitor-general'," Mr Turnbull said.