Editorials urge vote for coalition

The major newspapers around the country are backing the return of the Malcolm Turnbull-led coalition at this Saturday's federal election.

News Corp Australia and Fairfax Media mastheads are supporting Mr Turnbull, citing the need for stability - a key message the prime minister has been pushing since Britain voted to leave the EU.

"Given the choice between a coalition led by the socially progressive economic reformer Mr Turnbull, and a Shorten-led Labor party backed by reform-resistant unions, we support the election of a Turnbull government," the Sydney Morning Herald said in its Friday edition.

Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper said while neither Mr Turnbull nor Opposition Leader Bill Shorten had presented the "perfect vision" for Australia's future, both had emerged as genuine leaders.

However, it said the electorate wanted and needed a period of stability.

"Labor has offered in parts a broadly credible alternative, but on balance Mr Turnbull and the coalition are a more coherent prescription in an era that demands experience, stability and certainty," its editorial said.

The Adelaide Advertiser said the Turnbull government deserved to be returned, and warned South Australians to be careful about voting for the Nick Xenophon Team candidates.

"(Senator Xenophon) will seek to extract the best deal for SA but there are no guarantees his candidates will not splinter and add to another chaotic Senate or unstable minority government," it said.

News Corp's Geelong Advertiser, which houses the key marginal seat of Corangamite, backed a vote for the government.

"We concur with the mounting view in the electorate that a Turnbull government would be a safer pair of hands for the economy."