Labor seeks apology over paid leave

Prime Minister Tony Abbott won't resile from stopping new mums from accessing both government and employer-provided leave schemes.

Bill Shorten has asked Tony Abbott to apologise for his comments on mothers on paid parental leave. (AAP)

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has asked Tony Abbott to apologise over "disrespect" shown to mothers who get paid parental leave.

Mr Abbott has described new mums seeking both government and employer schemes as "double-dipping", while other ministers have made references to fraud and rorting.

"I want a fair deal for the families of Australia and it's not fair that taxpayers should pay twice for the same thing," Mr Abbott told parliament on Thursday.