Australian political parties rely too heavily on slogans and are losing their ability to argue their case for reform, says former prime minister John Howard.

In an address to the National Press Club with former Labor prime minister Bob Hawke, Mr Howard said modern Australian politics had become less ideological, and was affected more by the “disease of factionalism”.

Mr Howard, in a speech that will resonate with his former colleagues in the Abbott government, which has been struggling to sell its tough budget, said Australians would absorb an argument for change and reform but they had to be satisfied these were fair.

“We think it's sufficient that we utter slogans,” he said. “In truth, in politics you need slogans and arguments.”