Pollie gold pass up for targeting: Shorten

Labor has backed a clampdown on gold passes that give free travel to retired politicians, saying everyone should share the burden in the federal budget.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has hinted the life gold pass will be axed, saying his comments about the "age of entitlement" coming to an end also applied to politicians.

Asked about the pass on Friday, Mr Hockey told Macquarie Radio it was a matter for the May 13 budget, but "we hear what you say".

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said on Sunday the gold pass should be looked at.

"This gold benefit at the end is a legitimate topic to be identified in the budget, yes," he told reporters in Melbourne.

Labor was willing to work with the government on how the changes would work, but he wouldn't be drawn on whether changes should be retrospective.

"It is appropriate that everyone shares the burden," Mr Shorten said.

"That is why Labor is against pensioners being targeted by the Abbott government, this is why Labor will protect the pensioners, this is why Labor will oppose this government breaking its promises and introducing new taxes on millions of people who go to work."