MP mum's request ignites sexism debate

Tony Abbott's commitment to working women is under fire after the coalition declined a request from a Labor backbencher who needed to care for her sick child.

Michelle Rowland, the MP for Greenway in Sydney's west, had sought a "pair" from the coalition so she could get back home on Thursday night to be with her ill 14-month-old daughter Octavia.

But opposition whip Warren Entsch denied Ms Rowland's request on the basis that the wording of her application suggested no sense of urgency and there was "no attempt" to provide more information.

The system of pairs allows the coalition and government benches to ensure neither side gets an advantage in voting in the parliament when a member is absent.

Mr Entsch later explained his view further to ABC radio, saying he believed Ms Rowland should have been with her child in any case.

"It seems rather bizarre to be putting in a request on Monday or Tuesday asking for leave on Thursday night because her child is unwell. If it's unwell now, she should be with it," he said.

However, the rejection caused uproar in Labor ranks.

Families Minister Jenny Macklin told parliament Mr Entsch should be sacked.

"He is so out of touch with the needs of a working mother here in this parliament who needed time off to be with her baby," the minister said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who made international headlines last year for a speech accusing Mr Abbott of misogyny, said it showed the opposition leader did not understand working women.

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MP mum's request ignites sexism debate