This budget sales job is better: Costello

Joe Hockey's second budget is being set up much better than his first, poorly-received one, his Liberal predecessor believes.

Former treasurer Peter Costello says the federal government has learnt to engage with crossbench senators before Tuesday's release, giving the coalition more of a chance of getting legislation through parliament.

"I think the sales job in the lead-up to this year's budget has been much more professional and much better organised," Mr Costello told Network Ten on Sunday.