Tony Abbott has said he understands voter anger over politicians' use of taxpayer-funded entitlements, saying he himself had flown economy to Europe with his family, as "that's what the people do".

The Prime Minister's comments came as he defended Bronwyn Bishop over her decision to stay in the role of Speaker, saying she is a "very chastened person".

His support for the embattled Speaker came as a Labor MP revealed plans to present Mrs Bishop with a personalised toy helicopter on the floor of the Chamber of Parliament.