Leadership not in question, says Abbott

Prime Minister Tony Abbott expects to lead the Liberal Party to the next election despite facing a hit in the polls over the federal budget.

His government is trailing Labor by up to 11 points in two-party terms in opinion polls following anger over its first budget.

Mr Abbott is also lagging behind Opposition Leader Bill Shorten as preferred prime minister.

A number of coalition MPs and senators have also spoken out against some of the more controversial budget measures.

Asked on Fairfax Radio in Melbourne whether he would survive the leadership to the next election due in 2016, Mr Abbott said: "Absolutely."

"What we saw in the last two terms of parliament was the political disaster that occurred to governments that wantonly changed their leader," he said.

"I'm happy to run a few political risks for the sake of the country."