But when he was pressed on Tuesday on whether the put-down was in keeping with the promise of a more civil political discourse, he replied: ''Well, it would probably be ruled out of order in the Parliament, I accept that, and obviously when I'm in the Parliament I am subject to the standing orders as interpreted by Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, or Madam Speaker, I probably should say.''

Madam Speaker Bishop on her first day on the job. Credit:Andrew Meares

This should have been a hint to colleagues to show some restraint when the real business of the 44th Parliament began.

As Abbott said when Bishop was elevated to the post on Tuesday: ''When any of us are tempted to be low, mean or petty, the member for Mackellar is well equipped to recall us to our duty. This Parliament will be a different one and a better one, I hope.''

But, frustrated that Labor was seeking to delay the introduction of the carbon tax repeal legislation by bringing on a debate about the Government's secrecy on its policy to stop the boats, Pyne led the counter-attack and quickly branded Shorten ''Electricity Bill''.