The next move in David Bain's compensation claim should be firmed up within a month.

Mr Bain last week dropped his judicial review of the way the government's handled his claim, in exchange for fresh considerations.

John Key says Justice Minister Amy Adams has told Cabinet she'll take advice on options.

"I think she'll be back within in a month, in terms of what the next steps are.

"But in terms of determining what those steps actually are, that's going to take some time, I think."

In 2012, a retired Canadian judge recommended compensation, but a peer review poured cold water on his findings.