Not enough women in Aust Day honours: MP

Women are significantly under-represented when it comes to Australia Day honours and awards, a Labor MP has told parliament.

Andrew Leigh says that while the rate of female nominees and recipients increased this year, there was a problem with the nomination process.

"It can be too challenging for many people to nominate someone for an honour and award," he told MPs on Monday.

Professional organisations have become expert in ensuring their past serving members are recognised, but those who toil in soup kitchens for three decades aren't so lucky.

"We need to do more to recognise traditionally feminised work done by the quiet achievers in community organisations, as well as the traditionally male work such as leading large organisations."

Women made up 34.7 per cent of recipients in 2017, up from 30.3 per cent in 2016.

There was also an increase in female nominees from 31.3 to 32.9 per cent.

Dr Leigh said more also needed to be done to track recipient rates among those born overseas, people with disabilities and Indigenous Australians.