Porter, who is currently on leave and pursuing defamation action against the ABC, is set to be removed from his portfolio after the prime minister received advice from the solicitor-general about what responsibilities he might need to strip from Porter while the AG sues the public broadcaster.

Morrison has also sought advice from his department in relation to the attorney-general and ministerial standards.

Labor has asked Morrison whether he is preparing to make Porter a “part-time minister” or drop him altogether.

The prime minister did not rule out either option during Question Time on Wednesday.

“I am considering that advice with my department secretary in terms of the application against the ministerial guidelines,” he told parliament.

“When I have concluded that assessment, I will make a determination and I will make an announcement at that time.”

Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash, who is serving as acting Attorney-General in Porter’s absence, is reportedly expected to take on the role full time.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton is set to replace Linda Reynolds at defence.

Reynolds has been on leave since February to receive treatment for a pre-existing heart condition, after facing pressure over her handling of the alleged rape of former staffer Brittany Higgins by a colleague.

Speculation over her future grew on Wednesday after she decided not to attend a major international conference scheduled for next month when she is due to return to her defence minister responsibilities.

Both Porter and Reynolds will reportedly stay on the frontbench and be assigned new portfolios.

-with AAP