Government in 'job swap' week: Shorten

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has ridiculed reports that Tony Abbott will discuss media ownership laws with television bosses as a "job swap" for him and his communications minister.

The prime minister will meet privately with the heads of the commercial networks on Thursday as he considers sweeping changes to media ownership laws but Malcolm Turnbull is not expected to be there, Fairfax media reports.

Mr Turnbull, whose push to relax the laws could trigger major media mergers if approved, returns from a US trip on Tuesday.

"This is clearly job swap week in the Abbott Liberal government," Mr Shorten told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday.

"Malcolm Turnbull wants to do Tony Abbott's job - and Tony Abbott is doing Malcolm Turnbull's job."

Mr Abbott's office has been contacted for comment.