Minister, senator in 'mansplaining' furore

A government minister has accused a Labor senator of hypocrisy after being accused of "mansplaining" to her.

A Senate estimates hearing erupted into a fiery exchange between Labor's Katy Gallagher and Communications Minister Mitch Fifield on Thursday.

Senator Gallagher accused the minister of mansplaining to her in an answer about cabinet process on social services legislation.

The term is used when someone explains to another, usually a woman, in a manner regarded as condescending or patronising.

"I love the mansplaining that's going on," Senator Gallagher retorted.

"What's ... what are you suggesting? What's mansplaining, senator?" Senator Fifield replied, before being given the definition.

The minister took offence with the accusation, saying he'd be judged much more harshly if the tables were reversed and he accused a woman of womansplaining.

"I'm quite frankly appalled," he said.

"Take good look at yourself - if I said to a female senator `You're are womansplaining,' there would be uproar. Stop being a hypocrite."

Senator Gallagher tried to have the last word, however.

"I'm not the one having a breakdown over this," she said.