Josh Frydenberg backhands Tony Abbott

Senior minister, Josh Frydenberg, has taken a swing at Tony Abbott, saying the former PM will always be critical of Malcolm Turnbull.

Appearing on the Today Show, the Energy Minister tried to make light of the tensions, but his point was clear.

"Tony Abbott, he's always going to cut across what the prime minister's been saying. Absolutely," Mr Frydenberg said. 

When asked if he was saying Mr Abbott wasn't a team player, Mr Frydenberg, smiling said: "I think you're covering up the biggest secret in sport."

Finance Minister, Mathias Cormann, later said sensitive policy issues should be sorted out in the coalition party room.

"Josh and I are team players," Mr Cormann said.

"Ideally, that's what all members of our team should be doing."

Mr Abbott has, in recent weeks, continued to speak out on policies including coal-fired power stations, and immigration numbers.

In response to the Frydenberg comments, he was reported to have said the government should concentrate on policy, not personalities.