In a pointed reminder about the need for discipline,Labor insiders said Mr Butler was the relevant shadow minister on energy and suggested Mr Fitzgibbon was out of line.
Mr Fitzgibbon spoke on the understanding he is responsible for gas extraction and transport.
The vigorous response to Mr Fitzgibbon's expression of opinion came after he aired his support for government measures that would increase the capacity of gas pipelines and transport more gas to industry and households.
The chair of the COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board,business executive Nev Power,told a Senate committee on Tuesday the "guaranteed off-take" for gas pipelines had been put to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Santos is seeking state and federal approval to develop a new gas field near the NSW town of Narrabri,raising the question of building a new pipeline to transport the gas to Sydney. Mr Fitzgibbon's electorate of Hunter is the closest Labor seat to the project.
While Mr Fitzgibbon toldThe Sydney Morning Herald andThe Age that Mr Power was"absolutely right"on the need for more gas,Mr Butler was cool on the idea.
"Why would we give support to a secret report the government refuses to show the Australian people – and whose central recommendation appears to be a taxpayer funded gas pipeline from WA?"Mr Butler said.