It's time to look at what's wrong with the Australian opposition and lay off the Labor Party, Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr says.
Senator Carr made the comments while in Papua New Guinea and they come after senior ALP figure John Faulkner said the party needed urgent reform, and urged Prime Minister Julia Gillard to back a measure to smash factions in the party.
"The Labor Party has been kicked and punched. I think it would be best to look at the other side of politics," Senator Carr said in response to a question.
"If you look at Tony Abbott and his leadership, he's got a 60 per cent disapproval rating.
"He's out of touch with the majority of the Australian people. You can't have a decent debate on policy in the ranks of the coalition.
"I want my party - having made all the points in self-criticism, criticism that would have paid tribute to chairman Mao - I want to see the party turn and start talking about the other side."
As Senator Carr made the comments, Trade Minister Craig Emerson uttered a robust "yeah".
Both Mr Emerson and Senator Carr are in PNG for the 21st Australia PNG ministerial summit.
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