Sixteen members of the current Opposition frontbench were ministers in the Howard government.

While polls indicate the Coalition is on track for an election victory and long stay in power, Australian National University political commentator Professor John Warhurst said there were too many former Howard government ministers on Mr Abbott's team.

''I think he's got the balance wrong, it's time to bite the bullet and take a chance by giving some of the younger people a go,'' Professor Warhurst said.

''After six years in Opposition it's time to move some of the [old guard] on and promote the talent.

''If he can show he's building a fresh team and has left the past behind, it's a good strategy.''

Professor Warhurst said Mr Abbott's conviction the government could crumble any day could be holding back the change.

ANU political scientist Norman Abjorensen said the former Rhodes scholar's tenuous hold on the leadership could also prevent a shadow cabinet revamp. In 2009, Mr Abbott won the leadership from Malcolm Turnbull by a single vote.

Mr Abbott quickly surrounded himself by Howard-era friends on the frontbench and has been unwilling to shuffle the gang since.

While the party room has changed since the ballot, Dr Abjorensen said the former pugilist would still feel cautious. Dr Abjorensen said that traditionally, the Liberal Party has been shaped by the leader's policy settings.

''I don't think we've seen an Abbott party yet, which means he's probably not as confident as he seems,'' Dr Abjorensen.

''There are risks involved in reshaping things. Once you're a leader and you move someone, you create disturbances that can start a chain reaction and the last thing Abbott wants to do is create disturbances.

''So if Abbott wanted to reinvigorate his frontbench, he has to be very careful about making enemies.

''But sometimes you have to promote your enemies and demote friends to do that - it's a balancing act.''

Monash University's Nick Economou said Mr Abbott's hands were tied by tensions within the Liberal Party. He said a reshuffle would risk creating more unwanted ripples within a party poised for electoral victory.

A glimpse of Liberal Party political turmoil hit the media this week, with former allies Peter Costello and Michael Kroger publicly trading blows.

Dr Economou said the Liberal Party fractures were broad and complex and could easily engulf Mr Abbott.

First, an association with deposed leader Mr Turnbull or former treasurer Mr Costello was viewed with suspicion by the conservatives. Then there are tensions over Mr Abbott's economic strategy.

Friction between NSW and Victorian Liberals was also an issue, as was the ever-present strain with partners the Nationals.

''[But] voters don't really care about any of that,'' Dr Economou said. ''The voters put a lot of trust in the political parties, trust them to preselect decent people and trust them to formulate a leadership team capable of running the country.''