Labor MPs outraged at Abbott remarks

Labor MPs have reacted with outrage at a suggestion by Tony Abbott they don't take child abuse seriously.

Angry exchanges across the chamber on Tuesday led to opposition frontbencher Tony Burke being suspended by Speaker Bronwyn Bishop for one hour.

The prime minister was citing figures showing that metadata was used in 90 per cent of cyber-crime investigations, including those related to child abuse, when he responded to Labor interjections.

"They're still laughing. Show a bit of respect," Mr Abbott said.

Mr Burke took issue with the Speaker's demand for silence while the prime minister was speaking.

"When someone wants to make a claim that people are laughing about child abuse then there will be a reaction," he told Mrs Bishop.

After he ignored repeated demands to resume his seat, she ordered Mr Burke to leave the chamber amid howls of protest from his colleagues.

Labor failed to have Mr Abbott withdraw his remarks despite their "outrageous imputation".