Abbott backed by Abetz for a spot in the cabinet reshuffle

Malcolm Turnbull is facing calls from members of his own party to make a prominent place for former prime minister Tony Abbott on the frontbench in the cabinet reshuffle expected in February, after the two separate resignations of government ministers.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaks to Neil Mitchell at the 3AW studio following his political fallout in 2015. Could the former PM be back on the frontbench in 2016? Source: AAP

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is facing a new cabinet reshuffle - just a couple of a days before the new year. 

The PM has accepted the resignations of Liberal MP Mal Brough and Jamie Briggs, which was announced yesterday.

A cabinet reshuffle is not expected to take place until early next year, amid speculation Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss is preparing to announce his retirement.

Speaking on ABC News Radio this morning, Senator Eric Abetz said former prime minister Tony Abbott should be considered.

"I hope there will be a place for him, a prominent place for him in the future ministry should he decide to stay and I think the Australian people would welcome that," said Mr Abetz.

"I think that is important for the unity of the party if that is at all possible; and let's see what the future holds."

He is not the only one in the party who believes Mr Abbott is the man for the job.

Nationals Senator John Williams has also backed the former prime minister today. 

"I think if Tony Abbott was to go back into the Cabinet, it would be a good way to heal the wounds of the past. He has a lot to offer. He is a very decent man. He cares a lot about his people and his country. I think it would be great to have him back in the cabinet," said Mr Williams on ABC Radio National. 

Acting Labor leader Tanya Plibersek said Mr Turnbull must explain why he made this decision. 

"I think this shows the Prime Ministers very poor judgement from day one. There were red flashing lights around Mal Brough from the beginning," Ms Plibersek said on ABC Breakfast.

"These accusations were already out there. Mal Brough had his property raided by police and still the Prime Minister didn't act. Finally now in the quiet period, of this Christmas time of year when he thinks nobody is listening, a short statement is put out regarding both Jamie Briggs and Mal Brough put together. It's completely unacceptable." 

Liberal MP Mal Brough has the subject of an AFP investigation for allegedly copying diary entries of former speaker Peter Slipper. 

Jamie Briggs handed in his resignation as Minister for Cities because of what he described as concerns about the appropriateness of his behaviour involving a female public servant, late night in a Hong Kong bar during an official overseas visit last month. 

The reshuffle is expected once the deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss makes a decision on his political future.