Senior federal Liberal Eric Abetz has distanced himself from the Mantach funds scandal, as the Australian Electoral Commission confirms it is examining a $48,000 debt repaid to the party.

Senator Abetz has been under scrutiny since his party colleague, Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman, said the Leader for the Government in the Senate was advised of a debt incurred by disgraced former party director Damien Mantach.

Senator Eric Abetz says the expenses issue remains an organisational matter. Credit:Jessie Marlow

Mr Mantach's 2008 debt was covered up, according to Labor, and he was able to quit the Tasmanian post, later become the Victorian Liberal director and embezzle $1.5 million.

Senator Abetz issued a statement late on Thursday in which he confirmed the then president of the Tasmanian branch, Dale Archer, told him in March 2008 of a "potential inappropriate use by the state director of his credit card".