Xenophon tells government to start new year with a new approach

A key crossbencher is warning Tony Abbott to dramatically change his attitude to the Senate and voters, or risk being a one-term prime minister.

Nick Xenophon says Mr Abbott should stop being so confrontational, and start listening.

The past year has been one of low peaks and deep political troughs, and a Government which hopes the fireworks don't Catherine wheel into the New Year.

Though with $30 billion in Budget reforms stalled, 2015 could be just as explosive.

"They need to approach 2015 very differently from 2014 otherwise this will be a one-term wonder," Senator Xenophon said.

"They're acting in a way that's confrontational, that isn't listening to the needs of the community."

Greens leader Christine Milne said it wasn't Mr Abbott's budget sales pitch that failed: "It was the policies themselves".

Labor had its own advice.

"Here's a New Year's resolution Mr Abbott: Stop breaking your promises, start listening to the Australian people," Senator Penny Wong said.

The man given the job of helping work on a new Budget - and passing the old - agrees the Government has to get its message right.

"We have to explain that story, why we need to pay down debt," said Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

"If we can explain the detail of particular packages, whether it's higher education, social welfare of the Medicare co-payment, I do believe we can get the support of those crossbenchers."