Foreign Minister Julie Bishop insists it was entirely appropriate for her partner to join her on the floor of the United Nations General Assembly during high-level talks.
David Panton was photographed sitting next to her in the Australian official delegation section during the leader meetings this week.
"I ensured that the UN protocol people were asked about this and I was informed that it was entirely appropriate and that there was no breach of protocol," Ms Bishop told reporters in New York.
Federal Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek said it was an "odd look" for Mr Panton to accompany Ms Bishop on the floor of the general assembly.
Labor had no objection with him travelling with the minister and watching on from the visitor's area.
"It's like taking a guest (into) the chambers of parliament, you wouldn't normally have them sitting there next to you," she told ABC radio.
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