Malcolm Turnbull has described former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd as "miserable ghosts" and taken aim at his former colleagues for "blowing up" the government.
Speaking to young leaders in New York last week [[Friday]] , Mr Turnbull made scathing remarks about the "crazy" Liberal leadership crisis that led to his eviction in August.
At the time, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton challenged Mr Turnbull for the leadership, but eventually lost out to Scott Morrison.
Mr Turnbull subsequently resigned from parliament and is currently residing in New York.
In audio obtained by Channel Nine, the former prime minister said it was important for ex-leaders not to be driven by hate.
Mr Turnbull also pointed out he was behind 51 to 49 per cent in the published polls, but was actually ahead by four points in internal tracking polls across 40 marginal seats.
He said he couldn't understand why he was toppled as leader of the Liberal Party.
Federal Labor M-P Anne Aly agrees with Mr Turnbull's character assessments of Mr Abbott and Mr Rudd, but says she wouldn't necessarily adopt his choice of words.
She's told Sky News his comments show a lack of unity in the Coalition.
Speaking ahead of the airing of the recording, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he sympathises with his former boss.
He's told Channel Nine, Mr Turnbull should be proud of his strong legacy.
Mr Frydenberg says he's always been a strong supporter of Malcolm Turnbull.
But says it's now time to focus on the new Morrison government.
[Full story is available on audio news.]
