Malcolm Turnbull has dismissed as a “fantasy” reports that he was approached last year to become treasurer.

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The communications minister says he has “complete confidence” in Joe Hockey in the job.

He said he has not suggested to Prime Minister Tony Abbott that he should become treasurer, nor has he been approached him to fill the role, despite media reports to the contrary.

“Everyone is expressing views, there is a bit of fantasy football going on,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

“The Prime Minister has never asked me or suggested to me in any way that he would appoint me as treasurer.”

Mr Hockey’s role as treasurer has been scrutinised after his ill-received first budget with some measures still stuck in the Senate.