Palmer quizzes PM on women in cabinet

Clive Palmer has shown his face in federal parliament to push for gender equality in cabinet.

The Palmer United Party leader asked Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull about the number of women in senior ministerial roles.

"Will the government support gender equality in cabinet with each gender entitled to a minimum of 40 per cent representation," Mr Palmer asked on Tuesday.

Mr Turnbull said everyone would like to see more women in parliament.

"Perhaps when the Palmer United Party gets together its slate for the next election there will be an equal balance between men and women on that platform," he said.

There are five women in the Turnbull cabinet, four more than Tony Abbott appointed.

"We are committed to seeing more women in parliament, in the House (of Representatives), and the Senate and as a consequence in the ministry," Mr Turnbull said.

"But ... these changes cannot happen instantaneously."