Malcolm Turnbull has talked down the odds of flying indigenous flags in the House of Representatives after being skewered on the issue in question time.
Labor offered bipartisan support for the proposal raised by Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie on Thursday as parliament prepared to wrap up for the week.
In her question to the prime minister, Ms Sharkie referred to one of her indigenous constituents, who approached her about the absence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flags in the chamber.
"In a continuation of that spirit, the spirit of reconciliation, and recognition of the history and culture of Australia's first peoples, will the government support flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in this chamber?" she said.
In his response, the prime minister acknowledged the flags' absence and prompted Ms Sharkie to submit a motion into the subject.
"I imagine (she) will seek to move a motion to amend the standing orders for that purpose, assuming that is necessary," Mr Turnbull told parliament.
"I have to say, while we pay respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, the flags hanging in each corner of this room is the flag of Australia."
If Ms Sharkie moved to amend the standing orders, Mr Turnbull said, the government would take her proposal on board.
The question sparked a point of order as to whether it was appropriate to direct it to the prime minister but the opposition jumped on board right away.
"If it's of assistance to the prime minister, as these things should be, we'll offer bipartisanship if you choose to take up the member for Mayo's offer," Labor leader Bill Shorten said.
The leaders had shaken hands over the despatch box the day before in united condemnation of a "racist" maiden speech by Senator Fraser Anning.
It was in that spirit Ms Sharkie asked her question of the prime minister.
"We have seen action and language matters. Yesterday this House was united to condemn racism," she said.
Hedley Vogt from South Australia broached the issue with Ms Sharkie more than a year ago and is hoping the issue will go to a vote for all MPs.
"They talk about reconciliation, well, this would be a visual sign to show reconciliation," Mr Vogt said in a statement.
"At least the prime minister didn't say no, so that's good."
