The Federal Government is trying to clean up an untidy spat between its current and former leaders over the controversial high-capacity Adler lever-action shotgun.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Liberal backbencher Tony Abbott publicly clashed in Parliament yesterday over claims the Government was prepared to swap changes to gun policy for support in the Senate.

A senior Government source has told the ABC the idea Mr Abbott was not aware of a deal with Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm to let an import ban on the high-capacity Adler shotgun lapse was "rubbish".

Some Coalition MPs have also scoffed at Mr Abbott's claim that he had no knowledge of a deal, saying it was inconceivable that his office would not have known.

Sorry, this video has expired Pyne labels Turnbull-Abbott rift claims 'rubbish'

The sunset clause amendment to the ban would have had to go through Mr Abbott's office and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, before being considered by the Government's Executive Council for approval.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed on Friday the introduction of a sunset clause was not a Cabinet decision.

Cabinet Minister Christopher Pyne has admitted there was a deal, but played down the clash between the Prime Minister and Mr Abbott, insisting there was "no fissure" on gun laws.

Mr Pyne told Channel Nine Mr Abbott was "100 per cent behind the Turnbull Government".

Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg told ABC Breakfast the clash had become "a great big distraction" in a week the Government was determined to focus on industrial relation reforms.

Conservative Liberal MP Michael Sukkar maintained there was not "strong evidence" of horse trading in the Senate, despite admissions from many Cabinet ministers.

State and territory police and justice ministers are meeting in Melbourne today to discuss the issue of lifting the ban on the Adler.

Question Time clash

During Mr Abbott's administration, his office was very closely involved with the work of all other ministers in the Government.

It is understood Mr Turnbull had tried to get his predecessor to clarify his remarks before it became an issue in Question Time.

On Wednesday, Mr Abbott said he had no knowledge of a deal with Senator Leyonhjelm, and said it was only Justice Minister Michael Keenan's office which was aware of the proposal.

In replying to sustained taunting from the Federal Opposition on Thursday, Mr Turnbull said he was satisfied Mr Keenan "acted in the full knowledge of the Prime Minister's Office at that time".

That led Mr Abbott to address the House of Representatives straight after Question Time, where he argued he had been "most grievously misrepresented", but attacked Labor rather than the Prime Minister.

The messy end to the sitting week came after days of failed campaigning on the issue of the Government's plan to reintroduce the construction watchdog, the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

Party reform

The Prime Minister and NSW Premier Mike Baird will present an alternate model for reform of the state Liberal Party at a conference on Saturday.

What's the fuss about? Some Adler shotguns have a magazine capacity of seven rounds, with another round in the barrel

Some Adler shotguns have a magazine capacity of seven rounds, with another round in the barrel The weapon's lever action has been described as relatively fast moving, allowing shots to be fired in quick succession

The weapon's lever action has been described as relatively fast moving, allowing shots to be fired in quick succession Opponents are concerned if it gets into the wrong hands, it could lead to a tragic event like Port Arthur

Opponents are concerned if it gets into the wrong hands, it could lead to a tragic event like Port Arthur Advocates believe it will assist rural shooters with "feral pest destruction"

Mr Turnbull is a moderate while his predecessor is a conservative.

Mr Abbott has repeatedly called on moderates to make the branch more democratic, claiming major decisions including preselection are made by a select few officials.

"We want members to be more engaged," the Prime Minister said.

"We want to be able to reach out so the party can have the levels of membership it did a generation ago."

The proposal calls for members to have a direct vote in preselection and for the party to hold a convention next year, which would resolve how to democratise the party.

"One member, one vote is a principal we both absolutely agree with," Mr Baird said.