Labor formally condemns Ferguson

Former federal minister Martin Ferguson has been condemned by the ALP as a disgrace.

The party's national conference on Sunday accepted a motion put forward by a trio of union officials.

Maritime Union of Australia national secretary Paddy Crumlin and WA secretary Christy Cain put up the motion along with Australian Workers union national secretary Scott McDine, accused Mr Ferguson for making "self-serving public commentary".

"Martin Ferguson does not deserve to be considered a Labor elder and must be condemned as a disgraced former Labor politician," the motion presented to the meeting in Melbourne said.

"Debate and disagreement is critical in any political party, but that debate must occur at the appropriate Labor forums not in the public domain."

The union officials argued his actions had damaged the ALP's chances of success in the NSW election.

Ahead of the poll this year, Mr Ferguson criticised NSW Labor over its opposition to coal seam gas development.

Mr Crumlin told the conference he was ashamed of Mr Ferguson, who left federal parliament in 2013.

"Wake up to yourself, mate," he said.

"If you want to come back to the party, treat us with a bit of respect, Martin."