Clinton a 'formidable' candidate: Hockey

Treasurer Joe Hockey believes Hillary Clinton will be a formidable candidate for the US Democrats but says Australia will work with whoever is in the White House.

"Obviously Hillary Clinton is very familiar to the Australian people and importantly, Australia is very familiar to her," he told ABC TV on Monday, following her decision to run for president.

Mr Hockey, who is in the US for G20 meetings, said Americans on the ground believe it will not be a "lay down misere" for Ms Clinton.