You don't want to regret vote: PM

Malcolm Turnbull has warned Australians risk ending up with a result they didn't see coming if they vote for minor parties.

Echoing sentiments in the wake of the British referendum to leave the European Union, the prime minister said Saturday's election is a critical choice for the nation.

People should carefully consider the impact of their vote on practical policy outcomes and the workability of the parliament.

"Australians won't want to end up next week with a result they didn't see coming," he told the National Press Club in Canberra on Thursday.

Voting for minor parties would be a roll of the dice that could result in Bill Shorten as prime minister, with unions, Greens and independents pulling the strings.

"This threat is real."

Mr Turnbull said it was worth remembering that Australia had not had a strong majority government returned to office at an election going back to 2007.

He pleaded with the public not to vote for candidates they didn't know.

"Leave it to independents and preferences to decide, and Australians will find themselves this time next week with no clarity about their future," he said.