The Wannon MP said he preferred to welcome guests and groups only when they were present at functions and gatherings instead of "formulaic lines" of acknowledgement.

Mr Abbott claimed earlier this week that Labor MPs had a tokenistic habit of preceding ministerial statements with "welcome to country" statements and the gesture had lost meaning.

Mr Hawker said common sense should be used when greeting guests and making opening remarks during public addresses.

"I think it's overly formal and loses its meaning because it's said so often as a matter of course," he said.

"I don't use the actual words and prefer to be less formal when it comes to opening acknowledgements. If there are indigenous leaders and elders present when I'm giving a speech I will acknowledge them like any other important guest.

"My view is use your common sense and make comments specific to the time and place."

Corangamite MP Darren Cheeseman said Mr Abbott's assertion was offensive to indigenous people and was a backward step in relations between the Aboriginal community and the Australian Government.

"I think Tony Abbott should really be ashamed about adding fuel to this ugly debate," he said.

"He's really supporting the out-of-step views of Wilson Tuckey and shows how right-wing the leader of the Liberal Party is.

"The Aboriginal heritage and continental Australia goes back 60,000 years and I think it is important to acknowledge their culture and their connection to the land at special functions and occasions."