The federal government is tearing itself apart over the coalition's $6 billion proposed superannuation changes, Labor says, following reports Tony Abbott confronted Treasurer Scott Morrison during a meeting of colleagues.
The former prime minister argued against plans to offer super concessions to low-income earners and called for the coalition to dump its proposed cap on post-tax contributions during the Thursday meeting, The Weekend Australian reported on Saturday.
"(Mr Abbott) went in there looking for a fight; he wasn't interested in information, he wasn't interested in listening to his colleagues, he wanted to have a fight," one MP present at the meeting told the paper.
Labor's financial services spokeswoman Katy Gallagher said Mr Abbott is one of a series of backbenchers who have criticised the coalition's budget measures.
"The pressure has certainly been ramped up now with a former prime minister openly attacking the treasurer and his plans for superannuation reform," she told reporters in Canberra.
"The Liberals are tearing themselves up over it."
Senator Gallagher said Malcolm Turnbull repeatedly said during the election campaign the changes were iron-clad.
Labor is up for having a responsible discussion with the government over how to make the super system fairer, she said.
Mr Morrison has been consulting with colleagues and industry representatives on the changes announced in the May pre-election budget.
