Morrison wins praise from crossbencher

High-profile cabinet minister Scott Morrison is winning praise from at least one Senate crossbencher as the government readies itself for another round of budget negotiations.

"He really is quite a canny negotiator and I think he's doing a great job," Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

There is speculation Mr Morrison will replace Joe Hockey as treasurer if the government's second budget, due to be delivered on Tuesday, is a flop with voters.

Tasmanian independent Jacqui Lambie is feeling sorry for Mr Hockey.

"I don't know what little stunt they're trying to pull up there with Morrison, but my heart goes out to Joe - I think they've treated him really badly," she told reporters.