Labor targets PM, treasurer on economy

Labor has tried to trip up the new government leadership with a series of questions on the economy during parliament's question time.

Treasurer Scott Morrison was the first target, with the opposition quizzing him about government revenue, living standards and a deteriorating budget position.

At one stage as Mr Morrison avoided giving a straight answer, deputy opposition leader Tanya Plibersek taunted the treasurer by telling him if he didn't know he "should sit down".

"Those opposite might want to play these games ... but what Australians want to know is the plan to go forward, the plan to ensure that Australians can have confidence," he responded.

Labor then turned its sights on Malcolm Turnbull.

Opposition finance spokesman Tony Burke noted the prime minister frequently used the mantra of "work, save and invest".

Was he aware it dated back to former Liberal leader John Hewson's infamous Fightback document in 1992, an economic plan that included a GST on food.

Mr Turnbull chided Mr Burke suggesting he should spending his time actually coming up with some policies and ideas that contribute to the public policy debate.

Instead, this "poor wretch" goes back into the library, digging through the old records, ploughing through John Hewson's Fightback, he said.

"This is ancient history," Mr Turnbull said.

"We're concerned with building the foundations for our future prosperity, not ploughing through political archaeology."