PM says Albanese drought proposal 'novel'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the opposition leader's proposal of a joint "drought cabinet" is novel, but not something his government will be pursuing.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese called on Mr Morrison to form such a cabinet in the face of what he says is a national drought emergency.

The proposed "war cabinet" would be chaired by the prime minister, and co-chaired by Mr Albanese and Nationals leader Michael McCormack, and bring together relevant ministers and opposition MPs from areas affected by the drought.

Mr Albanese believes this is a constructive suggestion to deal with an issue which is of concern to all Australians

"Farmers are doing it tough and the truth is, up to this point in terms of the drought, the government isn't getting it right," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.

"The government needs to adopt measures that have a practical difference on the ground for farmers that are struggling."

But Mr Morrison said his government will continue to consult widely and listen to people in rural and regional Australia.

"I think these sorts of proposals are novel," Mr Morrison told reporters In Jakarta on a fleeting visit to Indonesia.

"Even at a time when Australia was at war, there was no such war cabinet as described by the leader of the opposition."

The prime minister said the government was elected to get on with the job and "that's exactly what we're doing".

He said the government is filled, in the cabinet and on its benches, with Australians who have direct experience and live in drought-affected communities across NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

"We have the right people and our ears are wide open and the commitments we've made on the drought continue. It is a rolling response," he said.