Bunfight over Speaker's independence

The federal opposition is set to step up its battle with Speaker Bronwyn Bishop.

Manager of opposition business Tony Burke will introduce a motion to the lower house on Wednesday on the importance of the Speaker's independence.

Mr Burke has accused Ms Bishop of presiding over question times that were a protection racket to save Mr Abbott from tough questions.

His motion, obtained by AAP, points to previous statements by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and other senior ministers on the importance of the Speaker's impartiality.

It urges the Speaker to interpret standing orders correctly and consistently and to refrain from attending party room meetings.

Ms Bishop still attends the coalition's party room meetings but it's understood past Speakers Anna Burke and Harry Jenkins did not attend Labor caucus meetings.

Leader of the House Christopher Pyne maintains Labor's treatment of the Speaker is approaching bullying.