A government MP says federal parliament needs to step up and be a role model as debate continues over whether breastfeeding MPs should be allowed to nurse in the chamber.
Federal parliament is being urged to consider the idea following controversy surrounding new mum and cabinet minister Kelly O'Dwyer, who was told to express more breast milk so she didn't miss votes in parliament.
If a parliamentary committee is swayed, the rules preventing mothers from feeding their newborns in the House of Representatives could change.
Committee chairman Andrew Southcott says it's time to take a look at the issue, with a roundtable on Thursday inviting interested politicians to share their views on options to better support breastfeeding colleagues.
"It's important for the parliament to be a role model to make sure we are allowing everyone to balance work and family and making sure that women are able to participate fully in the workforce," he told ABC radio on Monday.
