Hockey 'copped a lot of crap': Abbott

The prime minister says May's budget has turned things around for his treasurer Joe Hockey, who has "copped a lot of crap" in recent times.

The prime minister says May's budget has turned things around for his treasurer Joe Hockey (pic). (AAP)

The prime minister says Treasurer Joe Hockey has "copped a lot of crap," but it's all changed since the May budget.

Addressing the NSW Liberal Party State Council, Tony Abbott said Mr Hockey had brought down the "best budget ever" for Australian small business thanks in part to its instant asset write-off measures.

"Joe has copped a lot of crap lately, but since the budget hasn't it changed," he told party faithful on Saturday.