Tony Abbott has accused Labor of playing politics over national security, amid reports he was warned by his attorney-general against politicising debate over controversial metadata legislation.
In another potential damaging leak for the prime minister, it was reported on Tuesday that George Brandis had privately cautioned the prime minister that he was "playing with fire" and risked Labor support for the laws.
Mr Abbott, in a letter to Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on January 22, had demanded Labor support for the swift passage of the legislation.
Mr Shorten responded at the time by warning Mr Abbott that he was putting at risk bipartisan support.
But the prime minister on Tuesday said it was Mr Shorten who was playing politics.
"I have always believed if there is one subject on which members of the Labor Party want to be patriots, it's national security," Mr Abbott told the parliament.
"Not this day does he want to be worthy of the alternative prime ministership of his country."
Mr Abbott said the government had gone out of its way to brief the opposition on national security matters and would continue to look for as much bipartisanship as possible.
"But ... if they are going to play politics with it ... they will rightly forfeit the trust and respect of the Australian people."
Senator Brandis had warned Mr Abbott about politicising debate over the metadata laws during a recent cabinet meeting, The Guardian reported.
The government argues metadata laws are needed to support security agencies in countering terrorism, and had wanted the legislation passed by March.
The parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security will report back on its inquiry into the laws on Friday.
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