Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove snubs Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek during the opening of parliamentary session

BILL Shorten has slapped down his frontbench colleague Stephen Conroy over his controversial comments against Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.

OPPOSITION Leader Bill Shorten has slapped down his frontbench colleague Stephen Conroy over his controversial comments against Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.

Senator Conroy accused Sir Peter Cosgrove of “demeaning his office” by allowing a special recall of the Parliament.

“The Governor-General has one of the most important roles in our democracy and that should be respected by everyone,” Mr Shorten said.

“This was intemperate and unnecessary.

“Senator Conroy should confine his remarks to the Government.”

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten in Question Time. Picture: Kym Smith

Sir Peter officially reopened Parliament, calling House of Representatives Members into the Senate, but the ceremony was not without incident.

He described the two industrial relations Bills the Parliament will be asked to vote on as “critical” to the government’s reform agenda.

Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek extended her hand but the gesture was not returned. Picture: Kym Smith

“My government regards these measures as essential for the rule of law in our workplaces,” he said.

Before leaving the Chamber the Governor-General shook hands with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

But he failed to acknowledge Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek, prompting outcry from some Labor parliamentarians.

Senator Stephen Conroy argues Labor's point in the Senate Chamber in Federal Parliament, Canberra. Picture: Ray Strange

He said Sir Peter had demeaned the office of Governor-General by taking part in a “tawdry political stunt” when agreeing to recall Parliament over the ABCC.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said: “Well, not for the first time, Senator Conroy has disgraced himself and I look forward to the Leader of the Opposition (Bill Shorten) publicly disassociating himself from those appalling remarks reflecting, as Senator Conroy did, on the integrity and the office of the Governor-General.”

Commentators have suggested Ms Plibersek was overlooked because she’s not a party leader, unlike Mr Joyce who is the leader of the Nationals.

It is understood protocol dictates the Governor-General shake hands with the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and the Speaker Tony Smith.

A spokesman for Ms Plibersek confirmed Sir Peter had since called the Deputy Opposition Leader, but said details of the call would remain private.

“Ms Plibersek’s position is that no apology is necessary, and that the whole thing’s a storm in a teacup,” he said.

Originally published as Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove snubs Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek during the opening of parliamentary session