CANBERRA - John Howard has signalled he will stay on in Australia's top job until at least a couple of months after his 10th anniversary as prime minister.

Mr Howard said today the treasurer, Peter Costello, would hand down next year's federal budget in May.

The statement quashes Costello supporters' hope Mr Howard would step aside for his deputy after next year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and shortly after the 10th anniversary of the Howard government's election on March 11 next year.

Mr Howard has refused to set a date for his departure from politics and still enjoys the overwhelming support of his party, a year after leading the government to a fourth consecutive election win.

Asked whether Mr Costello would bring down next year's budget, Mr Howard told the Nine Network: "The treasurer will be bringing down the budget and I think Peter Costello has been the best treasurer this country has ever had."

Also today, Mr Howard said he would not respond to rumours that Defence Minister Robert Hill would leave politics in the near future.

"There are always rumours and I never respond, as you know, those sorts of rumours," he said.

"I decided a long time ago not to respond to them."

- AAP