Tony Abbott is sharing words of wisdom as his coalition successor racks up the 30th Newspoll loss for the federal government.

As Malcolm Turnbull matched the test he set when he deposed Mr Abbott, the former prime minister again urged the government to champion low power prices, by keeping coal, and higher wages, by cutting immigration.

“That’s what I think we need to focus on today, being the best possible government with the strongest possible policies,” Mr Abbott told reporters on his annual Pollie Pedal ride in Victoria on Monday.

Asked whether he feels vindicated by Mr Turnbull’s result, Mr Abbott said: “It’s not about me, it’s got to be about our country, what’s best for our country and how the government can best deliver that”.

He acknowledged being in government is hard. “Malcolm Turnbull and I know this better than anyone,” he said.

The Newspoll released on Monday showed the government is behind Labor on a two-party preferred basis at 48 per cent to 52 per cent, under Mr Turnbull’s leadership.

Mr Abbott said the best way to be a good government was to have clear policies, a united team and to be distinct from your opponents.

“That’s what I tried to be and to do in government and I’m sure that’s what the prime minister is trying to be and to do now.”

He denied briefing reporters off the record and called for greater “honesty” in politics.

“One of the differences between me and some of my colleagues is that if I’ve got something to say I don’t ring up a journalist and whisper poison into their ears, I say it up front openly and put my name on it,” he said.

“I think that is something that we need to see more of in our politics. We need to see honesty, we need to see integrity and we need to see people say what they mean and do what they say.”

Mr Abbott, who has been pushing for new coal-fired power stations, is touring the Latrobe Valley on Monday as part of his annual charity bike ride.

-AAP