Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the Government is focused on running the country after a new minister warned against any return to the polls soon.

Hours after being sworn in as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's new Employment Participation Minister yesterday, Mark Arbib advised the Government against an early election.

He told ABC television the Government should wait for the effects of its stimulus packages to flow through before calling the next election.

Ms Gillard was asked today for her reaction to a new minister making such a comment. "I think the comment you refer to was one that he was asked to make," Ms Gillard said.

"What I'd say, and what the prime minister says each time we're asked this question, is we're focused on the job of governing, we're focused on the job of supporting Australian jobs during this difficult economic period.

"Speculation about elections arises because of the obstructionist conduct of the Federal Opposition."

If the Opposition continues to block important Government legislation in the Senate, the Government will be entitled to call an early election under the double-dissolution provisions of the constitution.

Ms Gillard said she was delighted to be working with Mr Arbib in the Employment portfolio.

"I've worked with Mark over a long period of time," she said.

"He's a tremendous human being, he's going to be a great asset to the team."

SYDNEY AAP