Scott Morrison road tests 'fair go' mantra

"A fair go for those who have a go."

New Prime Minister Scott Morrison continued to road-tested his new mantra during a Monday morning blitz of talkback radio in Sydney and Melbourne.

Australians can expect to hear these nine words ad nauseam in coming months as the nation gears up for a federal election, with Mr Morrison promising a focus on cost-of-living pressures and wages.

Asked about how he could "reunite the rabble" after the recent Liberal leadership coup, Mr Morrison said he would get colleagues to focus on their jobs.

The prime minister cited the mantra of US general Norman Schwarzkopf: "When placed in command, take charge."

"And that's what I'm doing," Mr Morrison said.

"The circumstances of a few weeks ago, I know they appalled all Australians, I mean the parliament looked like The Muppet Show, and people should feel rightly angered about that.

"But what I want them to know now is I'm restoring control. I've been placed in command of my party by my colleagues, and that means taking on the important responsibility of prime minister, and I'll be taking charge."