If things had panned out differently for Tony Abbott, he would have been on stage launching the Liberal Party campaign in Sydney at the weekend, in the place of current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

However the former PM - who was ousted in September last year - was instead in the crowd struggling to keep his eyes open.

Mr Abbott and his wife Margie were seated alongside fellow former PM John Howard and his wife Janette at the official launch of the Coalition election campaign at the weekend.

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Former prime minister Tony Abbott seemed as though he was struggling to stay awake at the Liberal Party election campaign launch in Sydney on Sunday

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was on stage in Homebush addressing Coalition members and supporters

The launch was held at the Novotel Hotel in Homebush, with Julie Bishop, Treasurer Scott Morrison, Barnaby Joyce also in attendance.

Mr Turnbull spoke about his predecessors in the Liberal Party, including Mr Howard and Mr Abbott.

'John, you set the gold standard leading the most successful and effective government, your reforms set Australia up for the longest period of prosperity in our history,' he said of the second-longest serving prime minister.

The current PM also praised Mr Abbott for ending the 'chaos' of the Labor leaderships before him.

Mr Abbott was in the front row with his wife Margie looking tired

Mr Abbott was seated with fellow former PM John Howard and his wife Janette at the event at the weekend

He was seen shaking hands with the Prime Minister following his address

'Tony, you brought to an end the chaos and dysfunction of the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd years and you remain a dedicated advocate for our cause,' Mr Turnbull said.

On Monday the latest poll revealed the Coalition had crept out in front of Labor for the first time during the election campaign.