Payne smashed glass ceiling: PM

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has paid tribute to Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne, telling parliament she had smashed through one of the most stubborn of glass ceilings.

It took 150 runnings for a woman to win Australia's most famous horse race, he said.

"That was a remarkable race, a remarkable day, a remarkable family, and a reminder of what a great country we are."

Mr Turnbull also praised her brother Stevie, who strapped Prince of Penzance.

"What an extraordinary role model for people working with a disability," he said.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten made note of the jockey's post-race comments in which she told critics of female riders to "get stuffed".

It was an interview that only an Australian could have given, he said.