Turnbull deflects 'legitimise' PM comments

Malcolm Turnbull has brushed aside comments from one of his ministers, who said the prime minister needs needs a big election win to legitimise his leadership.

Nationals MP Michael McCormack also said Mr Turnbull "really needs to win and win well this time to legitimise what we've done as a government since September".

Mr Turnbull told reporters in Adelaide on Friday the alternative in Bill Shorten poses a "dangerous threat" to the economy.