Latham confronts Abbott in Sydney

The presence of former Labor leader Mark Latham has turned a routine Tony Abbott election announcement into a circus.

Mr Latham turned up at the Penrith RSL in western Sydney, where Mr Abbott had organised to meet with war veterans, clutching a cup of coffee and sparring with reporters.

Mr Abbott's media advisors initially blocked Mr Latham's path with a row of chairs. But the opposition leader eventually approached Mr Latham, who is reporting for the Nine Network's 60 Minutes program.

"Are you brave enough to shake my hand ... you won't end up in hospital," Mr Latham said, before asking Mr Abbott about the prosecution of Pauline Hanson and the Coalition's immigration policy.

"I've interviewed Pauline Hanson and we'd like to know, are you willing to apologise for your role in putting her in a prison," Mr Latham said.

"I don't think that's a fair assessment of my role," Mr Abbott responded.

Mr Latham went on to ask the Liberal leader about his immigration policy.

"I was encouraged at the start of the campaign when you and your spokesperson Scott Morrison said you would be slashing the migration program.

"But then it's turned out you've just got the same target as the Gillard government."

Some veterans at the club took issue with Mr Latham's presence.

"It's not about you Mr Latham, it's about the veterans," one called out.

Footage from the press conference was screened live on Sky News and many cameras were trained on Mr Latham, rather than Mr Abbott.

Mr Latham was widely criticised for an aggressive encounter with Prime Minister Julia Gillard at Brisbane's Ekka show on Saturday.

Nine boss David Gyngell later apologised for the incident.

Mr Latham sparked further controversy by entering into a war of words with veteran Nine political reporter Laurie Oakes.

His story for 60 Minutes will be screened on Sunday night.