The Federal Opposition has ridiculed Government frontbencher Anthony Albanese for using lines from a Hollywood movie in a speech to the National Press Club.

In the romantic comedy The American President, actor Michael Douglas plays the role of US president Andrew Shepherd.

He tells the White House press corps regarding his Republican opponent: "We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem, I promise you, Bob Rumson is not the least bit interested in solving it.

"He is interested in two things and two things only: making you afraid of it and telling you who's to blame for it."

Mr Albanese used lines almost identical to those spoken by Douglas while attacking Opposition Leader Tony Abbott in his press club address.

"In Australia we have serious challenges to solve and we need serious people to solve them," he said.

"Unfortunately, Tony Abbott is not the least bit interested in fixing anything.

"He is only interested in two things; making Australians afraid of it and telling them who's to blame for it."

Liberal Party federal director Brian Loughnane, who has made a YouTube video of the incident, said the plagiarism showed Labor was "unoriginal and devoid of ideas".

'Stuffed up'

Both Mr Albanese and Prime Minister Julia Gillard have laughed off the matter on Twitter.

Mr Albanese has quoted Homer Simpson, saying he "stuffed up".

"D'oh! Stuff up (for the record, that comes from another great American, Homer Simpson)," he tweeted.

Ms Gillard also joked that she loves Michael Douglas.

"And speaking of actors - I love Michael Douglas because he's married to a Welsh woman. @AlboMP's not bad either. JG," she tweeted.

Opposition frontbencher Christopher Pyne says that is not good enough.

"Far be it from to take some joy out of his embarrassment but a cabinet minister in the Federal Government should do a lot better," he said.

"I think Anthony Albanese should apologise to the Federal Parliament and the press club for not doing the homework he should be doing."

Loading...

ABC/AAP