Abbott must explain Bishop's travel: ALP

Labor is demanding Tony Abbott say whether he thinks it's appropriate Bronwyn Bishop charged taxpayers for a $5000 helicopter trip to a Liberal Party fundraiser.

The speaker's office has said her charter of the helicopter last November was done "in accordance with the guidelines and within entitlement" and said she made the 100km journey from Melbourne to Geelong "because of her concern for the country".

But Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says Ms Bishop's appointment was a "captain's call" by Mr Abbott and so the prime minister should explain whether he thinks her use of travel entitlements was appropriate.