NORTHERN Territory Senator Nigel Scullion has defended himself against claims of male chauvinism after he won a cake-making challenge that showed Prime Minister Julia Gillard being eaten by a crocodile.

Mr Scullion, the Deputy Nationals leader, was also criticised for talking politics during his victory speech at the Darwin show yesterday.

He said his fruit cake with marzipan icing was not a sexist attack, The Northern Territory News reports.

"The croc wasn't eating Julia - she was just taking her new pet, Porosus Carbontaxiae, for a walk," he said.

"I matched her emerald shoes with her lime tunic and got her hair just right. Everybody thought it was very tasteful."

However, one witness said: "It was a political rant about the carbon tax. Everybody was squirming."

Labor Senator Trish Crossin said her rival had a "bizarre" sense of humour.

She said his political speech at the community baking contest was "inappropriate" and the theme of his cake offensive.

"I didn't think much of John Howard but I would never have dreamt of having him eaten by a croc," she said.

Senator Crossin said Senator Scullion did well at cake-baking competitions because he added a lot of alcohol in the mixture.

She said some of Ms Gillard's opponents were chauvinists.

"Much of the criticism comes from people who are still intimidated by the fact that the country is run by a woman," she said.

Senator Crossin said Ms Gillard would not be perturbed by Senator Scullion's croc cake.

"She's too tough and skilful for any old crocodile."

A spokesman for Labor leader Gillard told the ABC that Ms Gillard "disappointed Senator Scullion didn't save her a slice".