PM joins Labor anger over failed 'pair'

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Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the treatment of Labor backbencher Michelle Rowland makes a 'mockery' of Tony Abbott's commitment to working women.

Ms Rowland had sought a 'pair' from the coalition in order to get back to Sydney on Thursday night to be with her ill child.

However, when opposition whip Warren Entsch asked for more information it was not provided and the pairing was not granted.

The rejection caused uproar in Labor ranks with one MP, Nick Champion, describing it as 'a pretty horrible little act of misogyny'.

Ms Gillard didn't go that far when she spoke to reporters after visiting a school in Canberra.

'Can I say very clearly what has happened with this matter makes an absolute mockery of everything the leader of the opposition has ever said about working women,' she said.

'It just shows so clearly that he doesn't get it.'

Manager of opposition business Christopher Pyne said Ms Rowland would be granted a pair and that could have happened on Monday morning if the coalition had been given more information.

'How desperate will Labor become to be now using a sick child as a political pawn to try and attack Tony Abbott,' he told reporters in Canberra.

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PM joins Labor anger over failed 'pair'