If PM would like me to say sorry, I am: Abbott

TONY Abbott has moved to sidestep a new sexism row, offering an apology to Julia Gillard over his comments on child raising.

TONY Abbott has moved to sidestep a new sexism row, offering an apology to Julia Gillard over his comments criticising the government's lack of experience in child raising.

Appearing on the Seven Network's Sunrise, the Opposition Leader criticised Wayne Swan's comments suggesting a second child was less expensive because items such as the cot and the pram had already been purchased for the first child.

"Often . . . one child is still in the cot when the second one comes along. One child is still in the pram when the second one comes along. So, you actually need to get an extra cot or a double-sided pram. I think if the government was a bit more experienced in this area, they wouldn't come out with glib lines like that."

In an interview soon after, the Prime Minister said Mr Abbott could explain what he meant by "that line". Trade Minister Craig Emerson said it was "curious".

"He was a bit indignant about personality politics over the last few weeks . . . but Mr Abbott's back in there making inferences."

Dr Emerson said he and the Treasurer each had several children. "So what's he (Mr Abbott) really on about to suggest this government isn't experienced at having children?" he asked.

Later, appearing on the Neil Mitchell radio program on 3AW, Mr Abbott apologised.

"I was alluding to my own experience of a double pram for Louise and Frances (his daughters)," he said.

"If she (Ms Gillard) wants to take offence, of course I'm sorry about that, and if she would like me to say sorry, I'm sorry."

Mr Abbott said people should move on the from sexism debate. "I think in a robust democracy like Australia, everyone in public life has got to expect criticism, but it ought to be fair criticism and this idea that people are off limits because of their gender, their race, their religion -- look, if people say the wrong thing they are entitled to expect criticism."

The Australian Family Association of Queensland criticised "a silly debate over the cost of prams".

AFA spokeswoman Tempe Harvey said the reduction in the baby bonus from $5000 to $3000 after the first child penalised mother care of children in favour of institutionalised childcare.

"When you look at who is eligible for the baby bonus, it is families that give up income to provide their children mother care before and between pregnancies. Cutting the baby bonus discriminates against mother care, which is the nation's preferred childcare option. De-funding mother care will harm the economy by forcing mothers into paid work and children into daycare," Ms Harvey said.