Tax debate 'leaves hearts, minds behind'

The Turnbull government's leading tax reform adviser has taken aim at the process used to work through a tax rethink.

Chairman of the Board of Taxation Michael Andrews says the government's decision to run the tax review through Treasury instead of as an independent inquiry "has compromised its ability to win hearts and minds".

Mr Andrews told Fairfax Media on Friday the review was under-resourced, and given the political climate it will be years before bold reform will be attempted again.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann is confident the government will produce a tax policy that strengthens jobs and growth.

"Tax reform is an ongoing process, tax reform is not something that happens in one big bang and then it's over," he told Sky News.

"You always have to keep looking at whether there are opportunities to raise the necessary revenue."

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann is confident the government will produce a tax policy that strengthens jobs and growth.

"Tax reform is an ongoing process, tax reform is not something that happens in one big bang and then it's over," he told Sky News.

"You always have to keep looking at whether there are opportunities to raise the necessary revenue."