A Western Australian Nationals politician at the centre of a failed attempt to hold a political fundraising event on board a Navy warship has dismissed the incident as "much ado about nothing".

Senior ADF figures have lashed out at the party for its "disgusting" invitation where guests were offered a "unique luncheon experience" and tour of HMAS Perth and naval base HMAS Stirling, accompanied by WA Nationals leader Terry Redman, deputy leader Mia Davies and state director Ben Forsyth.

But Nationals Legislative Council member Paul Brown said the response to the cancelled $1,000-a-head event was "much ado about nothing".

Mr Brown told the ABC he had not spoken or apologised to Defence Minister Marise Payne since cancelling the fundraiser, previously planned for January 15.

"We had only made minor plans," Mr Brown said.

"We hadn't contacted anyone about it. We hadn't gone very far down the track in organising anything."

Mr Brown had purchased a package for a tour of the naval facility at HMAS Stirling at a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) fundraising event.

He said he did not think the incident had damaged his political future, saying the invitation had only been distributed to a small group of supporters and was cancelled swiftly after discussion on Monday.

Guests to the fundraiser were offered a luncheon and tour of HMAS Perth and the naval base HMAS Stirling. ( ABC News: Michael Park )

Mr Brown's proposed event had infuriated senior members of Defence, who told the ABC it was "outrageous" and "disgusting" to use military property for political purposes.

Federal Coalition members were also angered by the idea, with one senior Nationals MP telling the ABC: "What the f**k were my state colleagues thinking?"

Neil James from the Australia Defence Association said rules concerning political activities were clear for ADF personnel, and politicians should know better.

"There are no guidelines governing the stupidity of politicians," Mr James said.

Senator Payne has distanced herself from the event and said it was "regrettable" the WA Nationals had proposed the idea.

"My office had no knowledge of the event. I am advised that Navy was not informed that the event, which was originally auctioned to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, was being billed as a political fundraiser," she said in a statement.

"Defence facilities should not be used for political fundraising purposes and it is regrettable that the original invitation was issued."

Earlier, Labor had expressed outrage at the "utterly inappropriate" use of defence force assets and demanded an explanation of any approvals provided.