A storm has erupted after a Victorian MP became the only member of Parliament to remain seated during a standing ovation for Australian of the Year Rosie Batty.

Liberal MP Graham Watt refused to stand up and sat his with arms crossed as every other state MP applauded the family violence campaigner, after her speech during a historic joint sitting of state parliament.

Mr Watt did stand up and clap for Kristy McKellar who described the horrific assaults her husband unleashed on her.

However he drew criticism from Labor MPs on social media after he refused to stand for Rodney Vlais from No To Violence and the Men's Referral Service.

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George Watt. Photo: Facebook

Following the strange behaviour, he issued a bizarre statement attempting to explain his controversial actions.

"For very personal and private reasons I chose not to stand," Mr Watt said on Thursday.





"Family violence is an issue of incredible sensitivity to me and my family and at some point I will be making a public contribution about the indiscriminate nature of family violence.

"I am very passionate about dealing with the scourge of family violence and supporting all those who are victims of it, male and female."

Ms Batty spoke to all Victorian MPs before six other speakers addressed the lower house about family violence.

A Parliament video shows neighbouring Liberal member Louise Staley urging Mr Watt from his chair, without success.

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Rosie Batty. Photo: AAP

Ms Batty became an advocate after her son, Luke, was bashed to death by his father at a Tyabb cricket ground.

She told the chamber of MPs her harrowing story and said domestic ­violence was family terrorism.

Ms Batty said" “When we think of terrorism we think about how awful it would be to be beaten.

"It’s happening now, in homes behind closed doors. Women are being beaten, having their brains blown out.”

Mr Watt was reportedly upset about the lack of ­recognition for male victims.

Liberal leader Matthew Guy did not defend Mr Watt’s actions adding: “I found Rosie Batty’s speech to be inspirational and deserving of respect, and I am disappointed that Graham did not share mine and my colleagues strong view of her presentation to the parliament."