Govt MP links negative gearing and defence

Dumped federal minister Stuart Robert is under attack on social media for linking a political point about tax incentives for property investors with Anzac Day.

Mr Robert on Monday used Twitter to spruik the government's decision to keep negative gearing incentives unchanged.

"There are more defence force personnel who use negative gearing than surgeons, judges, anaesthetists and psychiatrists combined," the former assistant defence minister tweeted.

The comment drew criticism from some Twitter users, with one labelling it "incredibly disrespectful".

Labor said Anzac Day wasn't a time to play politics and Mr Robert should know better as a former veterans affairs minister.

"This is distasteful on a day all Australians are honouring the sacrifice of so many," opposition assistant defence spokesman David Feeney told AAP in a statement.

"Mr Turnbull has been quick to condemn people in the past who haven't acted in the Anzac spirit - he should do the same to his own MPs."

Mr Robert later apologised for the tweet, saying it was meant to be issued on Sunday when the government revealed its negative gearing position.

"Apologies for negative gearing tweet, It was intended for yesterday with the images I posted. I didn't even think to re-read it before post."