Grumpy crossbench bags Abbott agenda

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the government is focused on jobs and growth, but crossbenchers say "grumpiness" in coalition ranks is frustrating parliament's work.

The leaking of coalition MP talking points - which advise them to say the cabinet is functioning "exceptionally well" - has added to a spate of ill discipline from the government benches.

Asked about the leak, Mr Abbott told reporters in Canberra on Thursday: "What I am doing every day and what my colleagues are doing every day is focusing on jobs, growth and community safety."

Mr Abbott is meeting with indigenous leaders in Canberra to talk about the process of recognition in the constitution, ahead of the prime minister's week-long visit to the Torres Strait.

Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm, who provides a crucial upper house vote, said the government's agenda was thin in a week to forget.

"This has been the most grumpy sitting week we've had in a while," he said on the last day of parliament until September 7.

"Nobody is happy, it's been frustrating."

Greens leader Richard Di Natale, who commands 10 upper house votes and has delivered the government several legislative wins, said there was a "vacuum of leadership" in parliament.

"It's been appalling," he said.

Labor leader Bill Shorten said the leaks showed division within the government.

"I used to think the internet was the quickest way of transmitting information - they've now got competition from Liberal cabinet ministers," he said.

Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the coalition recognised it was behind in the polls, but was talking about important issues such as jobs, free trade and climate change.

"It's not a shambles. I don't think it's an unhappy ship," he told Sky News.

Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite said the Abbott government was "as chaotic as a Tupperware cupboard".

"They can no longer keep a lid on the chaos and dysfunction," he said.