The Liberal party has made an official complaint against the Liberal Democrats for using footage from parliament in an election advertisement.

The ad condemning the poor economic records of Liberal and Labor governments features footage of former treasurers Wayne Swan and Joe Hockey and current treasurer Scott Morrison delivering budget speeches.

Liberal federal director Tony Nutt has written to parliamentary officials asking that the advertisement be edited to remove the footage.

The officials agreed with Mr Nutt and have written to Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm asking that the chamber broadcast footage be removed.

The letter to Senator Leyonhjelm points to a resolution of both houses of parliament stating: "Broadcast material shall be used only for the purposes of fair and accurate reports of proceedings, and shall not be used for political party advertising or election campaigns".

However, Senator Leyonhjelm - who has previously faced the wrath of the Liberals over the name of his party and its logo - said he would not be complying.

He said he had found at least five examples of the Liberals using parliament footage in ads and Mr Nutt had made no case.

"I find it perplexing they would want to fight with us, but there's no accounting for Nutts with no balls," Senator Leyonhjelm told AAP on Wednesday.

Asked whether he feared a contempt charge for using the footage, Senator Leyonhjelm said it was a matter for the Senate to decide.

"If people say something in parliament, why should it be treated any differently to what they say in the evening news?"