Turnbull takes aim at dumped former PMs

Miserable ghosts are continuing to haunt the Liberal Party after Malcolm Turnbull likened former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd to sad supernaturals.

In a leaked recording of Mr Turnbull speaking to young leaders in New York, the recently dumped prime minister said it was important not to be driven by hate after being axed.

"There is no way I'd be hanging around like embittered Kevin Rudd or Tony Abbott. Seriously, these people are like, sort of miserable, miserable ghosts," he said in the audio obtained by the Nine Network.

"Move on."

Mr Rudd, who after being knifed as prime minister stayed in parliament and destabilised Julia Gillard's reign until he returned to the top job, hit back on Twitter

"Dear Malcolm. A quick reality check on "miserable ghosts": First, having told the world you've left politics behind, you seem to be in the media every day talking about it," Mr Rudd said.

"Second, in case you didn't notice, I left parliament for NYC five years ago. Why not come over for a cuppa?"

Prime Minister Scott Morrison vowed to leave all ghosts in the past, but said he was glad Mr Abbott was running at the next election.

He thanked Mr Turnbull for representing Australia at a recent United Nations forum.

"He's no longer in politics. He's made that pretty clear and he's not interested in offering political commentary, but he still has a lot to offer the country," Mr Morrison said.