Anti-domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty says it is "ludicrous" for a union leader to accuse her of harming men's rights through her advocacy work.

Key points: Victorian construction union boss John Setka reportedly said Ms Batty's advocacy had harmed men's rights

Victorian construction union boss John Setka reportedly said Ms Batty's advocacy had harmed men's rights Ms Batty has been recognised for her anti-violence advocacy in today's Queen's Birthday Honours

Ms Batty has been recognised for her anti-violence advocacy in today's Queen's Birthday Honours She said Mr Setka's leadership role "needs to be challenged"

The Victorian secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), John Setka, has been under pressure to resign from his role after he was charged earlier this year with using a carriage service to harass a woman.

On Friday, The Age newspaper reported that Mr Setka had told a recent meeting of the union's national executive that the work of Ms Batty had led to men having few rights.

Mr Setka has not responded to the ABC's request for comment but told The Age his comments had been taken out of context and he had great respect for Ms Batty.

Ms Batty, whose 11-year-old son Luke was murdered by his father in 2014, has today been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her advocacy for the prevention of family violence.

The 2015 Australian of the Year told the ABC Mr Setka's reported comments were at odds with a growing community comprehension of discrimination faced by women.

"Clearly it's ludicrous and I think it's an example of somebody whose leadership role really needs to be challenged, because it's not a reflection that's appropriate," she said.

"I'm quite astonished with those comments. Rather than feel, you know, men have less rights, we have so much more to gain by recognising that moving forward we're [moving to] a place of equality."

Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese said on Sunday if the comments reported by The Age were correct, they were "totally unacceptable".

"I'm on Rosie Batty's side. She's a great Australian. She deserves the respect and thanks of every Australian and deserves better than to be criticised by anyone in our community," Mr Albanese said.

Mr Albanese and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews have declined to pass judgement on the future of Mr Setka's leadership while his case is before the courts.

In a tweet congratulating Ms Batty on her Order of Australia award, Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said:

"If some men feel their power is threatened by her then I say it's about time."

ACTU secretary Sally McManus said if the comments attributed to Mr Setka are correct they were "appalling and totally unacceptable".

"They do not reflect our values or the work that unions do to campaign against family and domestic violence and should be immediately withdrawn and apologised for," she said.

"Rosie's courage and work has improved Australia for the better by making important progress toward the goal that our movement shares of ending family and domestic violence."