Double dissolution a 'live option'

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann says a double dissolution is a "live option" for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to consider.

But Senator Cormann dismissed any link between the upcoming election and moves to reform Senate voting.

He said these reforms were designed to empower Senate voters to determine what happens to their votes and their preferences.

That's prompted speculation that the government could be planning a double-dissolution election.

Under new Senate voting rules, few of the current Senate minor party crossbenchers, who the government believes have been obstructing their legislative program, could expect to be re-elected.

"A double dissolution election is a live option for the prime minister to consider," Senator Cormann told ABC Television.

"In the end, the timing of the election in the national interest and the form of the election is entirely a matter for the prime minister."