Abbott 'of course' welcome at fundraisers

A senior Turnbull government minister insists Tony Abbott should be welcome at Liberal fundraising events despite claims a party member was expelled for inviting the former prime minister to address a lunch last year.

"Of course, he should be welcome," Trade Minister Steve Ciobo told ABC radio while admitting he did not know the details of the Queensland case.

Mark Chapman, a member of the LNP's Bellbowrie branch, claims the party expelled him after he arranged for Mr Abbott to speak to young parents, retirees and small business owners in Brisbane's western suburbs.