Tony Abbott has accused political leaders of not doing enough to promote "Australian values", claiming that a "cultural cowardice" at the heart of public institutions such as the ABC and the public service has caused many voters to turn their backs on the major parties.

In the former prime minister's first substantial contribution to the so-called culture wars sparked by the Turnbull's government's decision to introduce a much tougher citizenship test for prospective immigrants, Mr Abbott argued mainstream political leaders had failed to promote the "virtues and benefits" of Western civilisation including "Gospel values" and free speech.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott is pushing for reform of the NSW Liberal Party. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

"Whether it's official persecution of Queensland students for a bit of justified sarcasm, state governments promoting gender fluidity programs in schools, or a federal government-approved activist being disrespectful of Anzac Day, there's this pervasive ambivalence verging on hostility to our country and its values from people who should know better," Mr Abbott said on Wednesday night.

"Overwhelmingly, our people believe in our country – but it's hard for them to have faith in politicians when the politicians and those they promote don't believe in the things they do."