Liberal politician Sharman Stone has criticised her male colleagues following an incident involving Jamie Briggs and a female diplomat.

Former cities minister Mr Briggs resigned from his portfolio last week and apologised over his behaviour towards a female diplomat at a bar in Hong Kong.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton was also pulled into the scandal after mistakenly sending an offensive text message to a political reporter covering the story.

Dr Stone said the actions of her colleagues, including leaking an image picturing the staffer in question, fell short of respectful.

"The interesting activities of the past number of weeks demonstrate that some of our male colleagues still don't get it in terms of treating all women with respect," she told the ABC.

"I think the most important fact is that it [the photo] was leaked, that someone didn't see it as important to keep the woman's identity strictly private.

"It is just an example of how we've still got a way to go in all parties."

Up to Briggs whether he should resign, Stone says

Dr Stone stopped short of saying that Mr Briggs should resign, saying it was his decision if he wanted to take further action.

"It's up to Jamie to make that call," she said.

"The fact that he's stepped down from the frontbench is a very serious step for him to take."

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has expressed concerns for the woman's privacy after the photo was leaked, but Acting Opposition Leader Penny Wong said action was needed.

Senator Wong told the ABC that the statement issued by Mr Turnbull on Monday was an insufficient response.

"He's refused thus far to front up and answer questions about his ministers' conduct and I think it is a disappointing display of weakness," she said.

"Mr Briggs has conceded that he sent this photograph to his colleagues.

"He denies providing it to The Australian, so one of his colleagues must have.

"I think the more important question for Mr Turnbull is what action is he taking as the leader of the party and the Prime Minister to find out who received this photo and who provided it to the media."

In a statement provided to the ABC on Monday, Mr Turnbull said he had sought to "ensure the privacy of the public servant concerned" was protected.