When Malcolm Turnbull took over as prime minister, Tony Abbott promised there would be no wrecking and no undermining.
Queensland Liberal MP Warren Entsch has told the ABC his backbench colleague hasn't kept his word.
"He was going to step down graciously, he was going to serve in the best interests of the country, but he was not going to do a running commentary, he was not going to be political. Well, it's been anything but that."
The reprimand follows Mr Abbott's latest criticism of the Turnbull Government's direction.
In a newspaper column and a radio interview, Mr Abbott offered a suite of policy ideas for the government to adopt.
But Mr Entsch says Mr Abbott is a backbencher now and should only comment on matters that affect his Sydney electorate.
"If he can't contain his comments to issues relating to his electorate, which is what's expected of all of us as backbenchers, and if he can't do that - and if he feels he just wants to continue to criticise the government, and its performance, and the prime minister - then really he's not making any positive contribution at all."
Foreign minister Julie Bishop says it's okay for Tony Abbott to air his views.
But she's told the ABC says his policy recommendations - which include cutting subsidies for renewable energy and reducing immigration - would need to undergo the usual scrutiny in the partyroom.
"Tony's a former prime minister, and he would understand that any ideas for the Budget would need to be tested for their impact and their cost to the Budget, which is entirely appropriate. He's still in the parliament it's expected that he has views on policies."
Opposition leader Bill Shorten says the friction between current and former prime ministers is threatening the government's Budget preparation.
"It's 25 days out from the Budget and all this government is able to do is fight among themselves. They're not going to get this Budget right because they're not putting the work into it. You've got Tony Abbott out there again criticising the government, other members of the government criticising Tony Abbott. You cannot run a proper government and fight for Australian jobs if you cannot keep the division under control."
Warren Entsch says it's about more than the Budget.
He says Tony Abbott is damaging his own legacy as a leader.
"He'll either be remembered for his positive contribution in his term as a prime minister, or I'm fearful he will eventually end up being remembered as a spoiler."
