Canning poll impact on PM 'exaggerated'

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has joined the chorus of politicians claiming the outcome of the Canning by-election will not change the status quo in Canberra.

Mr Barnett told reporters on Wednesday that Tony Abbott's presence in the electorate would help the Liberals in the polls but whatever the result, the prime minister's job would not be affected.

"Any leader hates by-elections, they're a major distraction and they're a wildcard, but I think it's just absolutely been exaggerated as to its political significance," Mr Barnett said.

"It is about who represents those suburbs."