The Labor Party has criticised former prime minister Tony Abbott's latest campaign pledge as another attempt to destabilise the Turnbull government.
Mr Abbott does not have an official role in the Liberal Party's 2016 election campaign.
But he has announced he will travel across the country to help secure marginal seats in the lead-up to the federal election.
Wounds from last year's Liberal Party leadership spill are still fresh.
And Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has neglected to give ousted leader Tony Abbott an official role in the upcoming federal election.
But the party leader-turned-backbencher is taking matters into his own hands.
While re-election in his seat of Warringah will be his main focus, Mr Abbott says he will do his own tour of marginal electorates to help garner support for Coalition candidates.
It is a move Labor MP Terry Butler says is part of Mr Abbott's ploy to destabilise the Turnbull government.
"Who wakes up one morning and decides they're going to do a tour of marginal seats because the Government of which they formally were a member, and, in fact, a leader, didn't give them a formal role in the 103-day election campaign? It's just open insurrection against Malcolm Turnbull, and this sort of destabilisation is a hallmark of how divided and dysfunctional this Government is."
Deputy Labor Leader Tanya Plibersek says Mr Abbott will play a prominent role in the federal election whether Mr Turnbull wants him to or not.
"We see Tony Abbott commentating almost daily now in the newspapers about how he's happy to support a Turnbull Government because, really, they're Abbott policies that he's supporting. We see Tony Abbott overseas commenting on Australian foreign policy and defence policy. Tony Abbott, whether Malcolm Turnbull wants him to have a prominent role in the election campaign or not, Tony Abbott's taking one for himself. "
Independent senator Nick Xenophon has told Sky News he welcomes Mr Abbott campaigning in South Australia.
"In my home state of South Australia, I want Tony Abbott to come and campaign as much as possible. I'd like him to remind South Australians of his promises, in terms of ships and subs, and the fact that his Government basically presided over the demise of the auto sector. So, from my point of view, please, Tony, come to South Australia as much as you want during the election campaign. Come over next week. I'd be more than happy for you to be there."
Former Liberal leader John Hewson has told Sky News giving Mr Abbott an official role is the best way to keep him in check during the Liberal Party's re-election campaign.
"Well, he won't go away. I think you should give him a role. Define the role very carefully, and encourage him to be judged by his performance in that role."
Dr Hewson says Mr Abbott should be campaigning on policies that were introduced when he was the party leader.
"Some of the elements of the Abbott strategy will be maintained. I think pick one of those and let him run on it."
Assistant to the Prime Minister Angus Taylor has told Sky News he believes Mr Abbott will play a constructive role in the campaign.
"He'll carve out his own role as a backbencher, which all backbenchers do in election campaigns. And, you know, he will continue to be a robust contributor whichever way he chooses to do it. And I'm sure the coming weeks and months will be no different."
