Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday ruled out calling a national election for April on Sunday or Monday, as had been expected, so his government can focus on an approaching cyclone in Queensland state.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had planned to call the election on Sunday for an April 12 poll, but is delaying the announcement due to Cyclone Alfred's expected landfall on Saturday.

Australians will head to the polls for the next federal election sometime in the next six months or so – although when exactly it will be held isn't set in stone.

The prime minister has cut speculation he could call an election by Monday, saying this is not the time for politics as a cyclone nears.

Government sources say Anthony Albanese has all but settled on triggering an April 12 election on Sunday or Monday, but now faces several days of uncertainty caused by a cyclone off south-east Queensland.