Coalition MP Peter Slipper has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Mr Slipper, the Liberal Member for Fisher, won the secret ballot against the Coalition's nominee, Nationals MP Bruce Scott, 78 votes to 71.

It appears Mr Slipper has not agreed to any arrangement with Labor on a pairing deal.

Yesterday he ruled out such a deal and after this evening's vote he reiterated his position.

"I have not given any commitments with respect to my role as Deputy Speaker," he told the Parliament.

But he says he is supportive of the concept of parliamentary reform.

"I'm very passionate about the institution of Parliament, and I'm certainly looking forward to working with you, Mr Speaker, and also my very good friend and colleague, the Member for Maranoa, as Second Deputy Speaker," Mr Slipper said.

In congratulating his Liberal colleague, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the Coalition remained against the pairing of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker because it was "constitutionally unsound".

He reminded Parliament that yesterday Mr Slipper said he would not absent himself from votes.

"He would never accept the nomination on any basis that involved the guarantee of supply or confidence to the Government," Mr Abbott said.

Leader of the House Anthony Albanese, however, tabled advice from the Solicitor-General which he says confirms there is no constitutional impediment to the proposed pairing arrangements.

But Mr Abbott says it is unprecedented for the Opposition to provide both the Deputy Speaker and Second Deputy Speaker.

"This is obviously going to be an unusual Parliament," he said.

The Government's nomination of Mr Slipper means Labor's Anna Burke has missed out on the chance to fill one of the deputy roles.

Earlier today Labor's Harry Jenkins won the job as Speaker unopposed.

Mr Jenkins urged the Parliament to embrace and implement the reforms agreed to by both major parties, including limits on Question Time and more time for private members' business.

The row over pairing also came to the fore when Government frontbencher Simon Crean accused the Opposition of refusing to pair ahead of his address to the National Press Club tomorrow.

The Opposition now says he will be paired, but the Government wants a guarantee in writing.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Mr Abbott have already traded blows in the chamber and will face each other for the first Question Time tomorrow.