Tony Abbott has sought to redeem himself with worried coalition colleagues by strongly endorsing the government's approach to budget repair.
"What the Turnbull government offers in Canberra is prudent, frugal government and competent management of our nation's affairs," he told a Liberal Party function in Tasmania on Friday.
By comparison, a weak Labor government would take a "five new taxes" approach.
The former prime minister's intervention in budget policy and his "flabbergasted" response to a supposed delay in the delivery timetable for Australia's new submarine fleet has caused consternation in government ranks.
Howard government minister Peter Reith believes the comments about the subs has not gone down well with his colleagues especially those hanging on to marginal seats.
"I don't think there is any doubt Tony's remarks were a classic case of deliberate destabilisation," he said.
The prime minister wasn't buying into the row as he visited the NSW Central Coast on Friday.
"Look, Tony Abbott is entitled to express his views," Malcolm Turnbull told reporters.
