Former prime minister Tony Abbott has sharply criticised Liberal colleague Christopher Pyne over comments which seem to reveal a factional divide within the party.
The dispute has opened up fresh debate over same-sex marriage.
But Malcolm Turnbull says the Federal Government remains committed to a plebiscite.
The latest round of Liberal infighting was sparked when a recording of government minister Christopher Pyne speaking at a private function was leaked to the media.
The tape from the function on June 23 reportedly captures him saying the Government could take action on same-sex marriage sooner than everyone thinks.
But former prime minister Tony Abbott was more angered by Mr Pyne allegedly hailing the success of moderates in the Liberal Party.
And he was particularly angry that the Minister allegedly revealed he had always voted for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in leadership ballots.
Mr Abbott has told Radio 2GB he expected more loyalty from Mr Pyne, whom he once considered an ally in his leadership team.
"If you are a member of a cabinet, you've got to be loyal. And Christopher Pyne was not just a member of my cabinet, he was actually in the leadership team. And it's important that you show loyalty. But if he's to be believed on Friday night, that loyalty was never there, which is incredibly disappointing."
Mr Pyne has now released a statement saying he supports same-sex marriage.
He also says the Government has no plans to change its policy, which is to hold a public vote on the issue.
The Government's plan for a plebiscite was defeated in the Senate last year.
Malcolm Turnbull says Labor should have supported the bill when it had the chance.
"The reason there is not gay marriage lawful in Australia at the moment is because no plebiscite has been held. I believe, if a plebiscite had been held, it would have been carried. But the reason the plebiscite has not been held is because Bill Shorten blocked it. So let's be very, very clear about this. I can understand the disappointment of those who are frustrated that the gay-marriage issue has not been resolved, but the reason it has not been resolved is because of Bill Shorten."
Labor helped to vote down the plebiscite, arguing a well-funded campaign against gay marriage could be hurtful for same-sex couples.
Mr Shorten has, instead, repeated calls for Mr Turnbull to allow a free vote in parliament.
"I think most people wonder why we're still arguing about marriage equality. Parliament sits for about 20 weeks each year. And that's what we are elected to do, vote on laws. We should just get on and do it. And I don't really want to comment about the internal shenanigans in the Liberal Party. It's more important we focus on the issue. But I say to Malcolm, 'Together, we can make marriage equality a reality. Let's just do that at the next time parliament meets.'"
