Abbott still 'fair game', Labor says

7 Oct 2012, 11:32 am   -   Source: AAP
Labor frontbencher Nicola Roxon says the government won't back down in its criticism of Mr Abbott. (AAP)

Labor frontbencher Nicola Roxon says the government won't back down in its criticism of Mr Abbott. (AAP)

Federal Labor says the criticism of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott will continue, despite his protests about personal attacks.

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Labor frontbencher Nicola Roxon says Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is still "fair game" despite his protests about the government's personal attacks against him.

While his wife is entitled to sing his praises, Mr Abbott isn't running for "husband of the year".

Ms Roxon says the government won't back down in its criticism of Mr Abbott, who she maintains has an "issue with capable women".

"Mr Abbott is not running in some election to be husband of the year or father of the year," she told ABC television on Sunday.

"It is fair game for me or any other minister ... to hold him to account for his public behaviour and his public comments."

Mr Abbott's wife Margie faced the media last week to defend her husband against what he says are continued personal attacks on his character by federal Labor, targeting his attitude towards women.

The government's campaign gained traction last month when Mr Abbott was accused of intimidating a female student council rival at university 30 years ago by punching the wall beside her head.

Ms Roxon denied ever calling the opposition leader misogynistic, but insisted he had a problem with women.

She said he routinely turned his back on her in parliament and refused to acknowledge her at social events, unlike other coalition MPs.

"Usually that's a very friendly sort of environment because you're a little bit off-duty, but not so with Mr Abbott," Ms Roxon said.

"It's known that we don't like each other, but I don't think that's any reason why I'm not able to express those views.

"That's part of politics."

Fellow frontbencher Bob Carr hinted the government might wind back the personal attacks, having made its point.

"Without having discussed it with any colleagues, with any adviser of the prime minister ... whatever points needed to be made have been made," he told Sky News on Sunday.

"Women voters will make up their own minds."

But asked about Margie Abbott's comments - that her husband "got women", was a softie and preferred watching Downton Abbey over rugby - Senator Carr pondered that "maybe she does protest too much".

Mr Abbott hasn't ruled out using his wife for more public rebuttals if the government's campaign continues.

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