Premier warns MPs to behave after 'rat', 'traitor' attacks on defector Rob Pyne

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has warned her MPs to behave in a "responsible and respectable manner" to all members of Parliament, in the wake of attacks on Labor defector Rob Pyne.

Mr Pyne, whose vote now has the power to make or break the government's legislation, has been publicly labelled a "traitor", a "megalomaniac" and a "rat" by his former colleagues for his decision to move to the cross bench.

Now Independent MP Rob Pyne Mr Pyne, whose vote now has the power to make or break the government's legislation, has been publicly labelled a "traitor", a "megalomaniac" and a "rat" by his former colleagues.Credit: Chris Hyde

Ms Palaszczuk, who said she was "disappointed" in the decision which has left her government with 42 seats, equal to the opposition, said she believed all "MPs should behave in a responsible and respectable manner to all members of Parliament".

"I expect the highest standards of my team," she said.

Jarrod Bleijie sported a rat in Queensland Parliament question time earlier this week.Credit: Shane Doherty/Nine News

"And I expect the highest standards across all members of Parliament. We are elected by the people of Queensland to act in their best interests."

Ms Palaszczuk was forced to express her confidence in Deputy Premier Jackie Trad on Tuesday, after opposition attacks Ms Trad had "bullied" Mr Pyne in the midst of her backbench's public name calling of the Cairns MP.

Mr Pyne responded by saying he would adhere to his lifelong "labour movement" values and was now free to vote with his conscience, rather than a party machine.

His supporters protested outside Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of the sitting, calling for an inquiry into local government.

Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk: "MPs should behave in a responsible and respectable manner."Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Meanwhile, Ms Palaszczuk was also forced to admit that she had spoken to Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller before she posted criticisms of the government's infrastructure plan on social media, but denied there was any more discontent on her backbench.

"I have spoken to Jo-Ann," she said.

"If Jo-Ann wants to make a speech in parliament she is entitled to make a speech in parliament as are other members of the caucus."

Parliament resumes on Wednesday afternoon.