The Morrison government will allow MPs to use millions of taxpayer dollars on television and radio advertising for the first time, in a move it says will enable regional and rural MPs to communicate with voters more fairly.

Special Minister of State Alex Hawke confirmed he has overturned regulations that prohibit MPs using their $137,000-a-year, taxpayer-funded office budgets for television and radio ads – which takes effect immediately, in time for the election.

Sydney tradesman Andrew MacRae was featured in a television ad paid for by the Liberal Party in 2016.

The change does not require legislation, although the Labor opposition will attempt to disallow it when Parliament returns in April for the budget, before the election is called.

Labor Deputy Leader Tanya Plibersek said if Labor could not stop the change in opposition, it would "make people pay back the money" if it wins government.