By provoking Turnbull into the fray the PM gave Tony Abbott more evidence to prosecute his fight for a return to the right. Sure, after they were axed by their own party, they gave their own forthright version of history. But, despite many invitations from journalists to do so, they don't wade in to the daily bust-ups. And they don't create them. In the second instance, we had another former prime minister make headlines for a dizzying array of critiques about their own side. To recap a few recent appearances, there was a set piece speech in which the former PM set out an alternative policy platform ... to the government they are still a member of. There was another speech calling for a rethink on a massive area of government spending and a radio interview, where they had a crack at a former cabinet colleague (admittedly after some provocation). There were also comments at a local branch meeting, attacking the recent budget and an interview with their local paper, arguing they have the right to speak their mind. Meanwhile, they've been campaigning to change the way their state branch preselects candidates, lashing out at the "factionalists and lobbyists who seem to be controlling the party".

Former prime minister Julia Gillard in January. Credit:Justin McManus These contributions – while vigorous and numerous – are just the latest in a long line of missives from this former PM. Who seems totally oblivious to the fact that when they were dumped by their colleagues, they promised not to snipe. Tony Abbott would absolutely hate to hear it, but he could learn something from Julia Gillard. Since she left Parliament – and she left it as soon as she lost the top job – she's had all sorts of important sounding and interesting jobs. There have been academic posts, work on a global education initiative and now, advocacy for mental health as chair of beyondblue. "I would hope that, by my last day at beyondblue, we're able to say as a nation that we have taken some big strides forward in addressing the suicide crisis," she told the ABC's Lateline on Monday. More importantly, Gillard's moved on from Canberra.

This is not to say she is a saint (even this week, some have argued she should have been more careful when talking about Donald Trump, his tweets and his mental health). But as a former prime minister, she is using her profile to do something positive for the broader community. She is also behaving with dignity. Abbott, meanwhile, is popping up so often he makes Roxy Jacenko look like a hermit. And Kevin Rudd look subtle. Whether it be calls for less immigration, more coal-fired power stations, having a go at the government's submarine program, describing the budget as "second best" or disappointment about Christopher Pyne, it's primo pork chop stuff. And it's nowhere near over. As Abbott said last week, "I'm in no hurry to leave public life because we need strong Liberal conservative voices now, more than ever". We know from past experience (hi, Kevin) that it doesn't work having ex-prime ministers hang around in Parliament. They have too much baggage. And there is too much opportunity for awkwardness and mischief. Far better to take Gillard's (and Turnbull's stated) approach of quitting Canberra and doing something new if you lose the top job.

Apart from the dignity element, former prime ministers are a valuable and scarce resource in Australia. Their connections, skills and experience can be meaningfully and usefully deployed on issues that need prominence and leadership. And once removed from the yuckiness of daily politics, ex-PMs also take on a new sheen of respectability – they've done one of the hardest jobs going, they know things and have a comforting familiarity about them. Abbott has so many areas of interest he could pursue after politics, from his parliamentary focus on Indigenous affairs, to his community work on surf lifesaving and firefighting and fundraising efforts for medical research and carers. Rather than fighting a rearguard action to defend his legacy in Parliament, it would be better – for everyone – if he focused on creating a new one beyond it.