Aussies tasered by Abbott's year: Xenophon

Australians feel more tasered than surprised by the Abbott government's first year in power.

That's the opinion of independent senator Nick Xenophon, who's accused the government of "sneaking up on people with quite radical changes" over the past 12 months.

"The government promised no surprises," Senator Xenophon told ABC on the one year anniversary of Tony Abbott's election as prime minister.

"I think some Australians feel more tasered than surprised by some of the changes."

Senator Xenophon says those quite radical changes include deregulation of university fees, a $7 GP co-payment and welfare cuts.

He criticised the way the Abbott government went about the planned reforms, highlighting a lack of consultation and a less cautious approach than that adopted by the former Howard government.

"I think a lot of Howard battlers are feeling quite betrayed at the way the government has gone about things," he said.

Several of the Abbott government's budget measures face defeat in the Senate, where key crossbenchers - including Nick Xenophon - refuse to get on board.

Mr Abbott returned on Sunday from a three-day visit to India and Malaysia to spend Father's Day in Sydney and celebrate his government's first year in power.