SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has ruled out any move to federal politics, dismissing speculation he could one day run to replace Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Mr Malinauskas told Sky News Sunday Agenda that his focus was on leading South Australia and rejected suggestions he would consider entering federal politics.

“No, because I feel as though I’m making a contribution to the federation by getting South Australia firing in all cylinders,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“The analogy I use is, you know, the six states, think of it as a six-cylinder engine as a country, and South Australia hasn’t always been the piston that’s firing.

“Now we are. And I hope that makes a contribution to the country as best as I can.”

Mr Malinauskas said he enjoyed working alongside his federal Labor Party colleagues but had no desire to shift to Canberra.

“I enjoy the opportunity to be here amongst my federal colleagues. We do a lot of good work together,” he said.

“But my focus and my responsibility is on my home state, bringing it up to the full potential that I’ve always believed us to have.”

Mr Malinauskas’ comments came after reports speculated he could emerge as a future Labor leader if Mr Albanese were to eventually leave the top job.

Pressed on whether he would reconsider if senior Labor figures urged him to succeed the Prime Minister, Mr Malinauskas again rejected the prospect.

“No, no, because I look at the federal frontbench and I see a suite of talent, a suite of genuine leadership capability,” he said.

“So anyway, I can support them. I’d love to, but I think the party’s in pretty good hands with Anthony and with the Prime Minister.

“You’ve seen his authority very much on display over the course of the last few days, and long may that continue.”

The comments come amid periodic speculation about Labor’s long-term leadership, despite repeated insistence from Mr Albanese that the issue is not under consideration.

Earlier this month, a Sky News Pulse/YouGov poll found almost half of Labor voters did not know who should replace Mr Albanese if he were to unexpectedly step down.

Among those who nominated a successor, Treasurer Jim Chalmers was the clear frontrunner, attracting 26 per cent support.

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was second on 13 per cent, followed by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on five per cent.

Health Minister Mark Butler received just four per cent support.