Federal government MP Andrew Laming has sparked a backlash after making a social media post about the working hours of Queensland teachers.
In an unprompted post on his official Facebook page, the Liberal National Party MP asked: "Are teachers back at work this week, or are they 'lesson planning' from home? Let me know exactly".
Nearly 200 replies have been made, with many critical of Mr Laming's seemingly negative implication.
"They work harder and longer than any politician and they don't rip off the taxpayer or retire on a huge pension. I take it you must home school your children if you don't know when the holidays end," wrote one reply.
Another follower threw the question back at Mr Laming.
"So when should they plan their lessons Andrew? Is parliament in session or are you 'working in the electorate'?".
Queensland Teachers Union vice-president Sam Pidgeon said Mr Laming's comment was disappointing.
"I can let Andrew Laming know that this is yet another example of how out of touch he is with working people," Ms Pidgeon told AAP.
"There'll be a lot of teachers very disappointed that he decided to make such a flippant remark."
But Mr Laming claims he wasn't trying to spark a controversy with the question.
"That page is just what we call a "discussion platform", which is basically for all the people who don't live in my electorate," the Redlands-based Bowman MP told AAP.
"So I just throw questions up there and try and get people talking."
Mr Laming admits he hasn't read the comments on the post and rarely checks the replies to the posts he makes.
It's not the first time Mr Laming has copped a backlash for his social media use after it was revealed he spent a weekend last year arguing with others on the "Simpsons Against the Liberals" Facebook page, which posts memes critical of the Coalition using stills from popular TV show The Simpsons.
Queensland state schools reopen on Monday, January 16, with most teachers doing planning and professional development before students return for classes from Monday, January 23.
