Liberal Senator accused of mansplaining lets fly

An ordinary parliamentary committee meeting has turned heated after Labor Senator Katy Gallagher accused Liberal Mitch Fifield of 'mansplaining', prompting an angry response about reverse sexism.

Communications Minister Fifield was answering a question from Ms Gallagher about welfare bills when the Labor senator interjected.

"I love the mansplaining. I'm enjoying it," Ms Gallagher said, referring to the 2014 Macquarie Dictionary word of the year.

"You're loving what? ... What's mansplaining, senator?" Mr Field asked.

"It's the slightly patronising and condescending way that you're responding to my questions," Senator Gallagher replied.

Mr Fifield, arms crossed, said he was "appalled" that gender had been brought into the discussion, and accused Ms Gallagher of hypocrisy.

"I would suggest, Senator, if you're putting the word 'man' in front of some description of what I'm doing, you're doing that — which I'm sure you're very much against — is making a sexist implication about how I'm conducing my role as a man. Is that what you're saying, Senator?

"Take a good look at yourself. Imagine, Senator, if I said you were 'womansplaining'. Imagine the reaction senator if I said you were 'womansplaining'. There would be uproar."

"Well, it is a term that's used," Senator Gallagher replied.

"I'm sorry you're so offended by the use of the word, it is a word that's used, I'm surprised that you are so shocked."

Ms Gallagher then asked Mr Fifeld to "settle down".

It is not the first time a charge of mansplaining has been levelled at a member of the Coalition.

In September, the day after Malcom Turnbull took power, Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek accused the Prime Minister of mansplaining the problems with the foreign aid budget.