Abbott taken to task after travel entitlements leak

Liberal senator Ian Macdonald sparked a row in parliament today when he attacked the prime minister for delaying a party meeting because he was at a cancer clinic in Melbourne.

Sources have confirmed to 9NEWS Tony Abbott told MPs he went to the clinic to claim taxpayer-funded travel to attend a function the night before.

The prime minister's office, however, says he did go to a function but always travels within entitlements.

That position was backed up by a number of Liberal MPs today including Malcolm Turnbull, Julie Bishop and Steven Ciobo.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten was scathing in his response.

“What is most telling about these reports is that there are Liberal Party members leaking against the prime minister,” Mr Shorten said.

“A party and a leader that cannot govern itself, cannot govern Australia.”

Liberal MPs were surprised at the comment and were frustrated it has distracted from attempts to refocus the Budget debate.

In a heated question time, Labor again targeted Joe Hockey.

“Isn’t it time for the prime minister to either dump his treasurer or dump the budget?” Mr Shorten asked.

The question to the prime minister was ruled technically out of order.