Trump a big personality with big job: PM

Malcolm Turnbull says Donald Trump is a "very big personality" but insists the US president's approach to diplomacy via social media will not alter Australia's approach to engaging with America.

The prime minister would not be drawn on similarities between he and Mr Trump when he appeared on international business channel Bloomberg on Tuesday, instead focusing on the close ties between their nations.

"I'll leave that for others to judge but we've had several conversations now and they've been constructive, frank and forthright," Mr Turnbull said.

"The Australia-US alliance, relationship, is very deep. It's built on over a century of fighting side by side in every major conflict. It's an alliance, it's an economic partnership, and it's build on millions of people-to-people links and family links."

When asked a curly question about what he thought of Donald Trump as a person, the prime minister was diplomatic.

"He's a very big personality and he's got a very big job."

Despite Mr Trump's unpredictable approach to international relations, Australia's approach to its staunch ally remains unchanged.

"We pursue our national interest methodically, calmly, consistently. We make our case very frankly and forthrightly when we're speaking to our American friends," Mr Turnbull said.

"But as you'd expect with good friends, we are fairly circumspect about what we say in public."