Anthony Albanese says he wouldn't mind abolishing states in Australia but has no intention to act.
The prime minister expressed frustration at the federation, which also became a point of contention between federal and state governments during the pandemic.
Mr Albanese said if he were to write the constitution again, he wouldn't advocate for three levels of government.
Asked if he had the same view as Bob Hawke on abolishing the states, Mr Albanese said: "I wouldn't mind doing it either but it's not going to happen".
"If we were writing the constitution again today, you might not have three tiers of government. But we do.
"We have a system that we have to deal with."
The late Labor prime minister had branded states an anachronism, saying they were leftovers of British explorers and Australia needed to avoid the duplication of resources.
He attacked the differing education, health and justice systems and said Australia should have a singular economy, not six.
