It's business as usual, Turnbull says

Malcolm Turnbull insists the business of government will continue despite the High Court disqualifying two of his most senior ministers.

"The decision of the court today is clearly not the outcome we were hoping for," the prime minister told reporters in Canberra on Friday following the court's decision to disqualify his deputy Barnaby Joyce and Nationals deputy leader Fiona Nash.

A by-election for the seat of New England will be held on December 2.

Mr Turnbull said the coalition had the majority of members in the House of Representatives and had the support from some of the crossbench.

"The business of government goes on," he said.

Nationals senator Matt Canavan, whose position in the Senate was confirmed by the court, will return to cabinet as resources and Northern Australia minister.

Mr Turnbull will assume the agriculture and water resources portfolio from Mr Joyce.

The prime minister is due to fly out of Australia later on Friday to attend the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba in Israel, and make a flying visit to Sri Lanka on the way back.

He did not indicate who would be acting prime minister in his absence.