Labor missing Swan's talents: Hockey

Treasurer Joe Hockey has taunted former Labor treasurer Wayne on reports he will frame his party's election promises.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has mocked Wayne Swan about reports his Labor predecessor will be shaping ALP election policies.

The "ugly legacy" of Labor's debt and deficit was the fault of Mr Swan, Mr Hockey told parliament on Wednesday, adding that it gave him no confidence Labor had appointed him to frame policies for the next election.

"His talents have been missed," Mr Hockey joked about the opposition backbencher.