Tasmanian MP and former senator Eric Abetz has copped criticism for telling the state Greens leader she is at her best when she keeps her mouth shut.
Mr Abetz, who made a political comeback when he was elected to Tasmania's parliament for the Liberals in March, made the remark during a lower house debate.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff had interjected several times while Mr Abetz was speaking.
"I sometimes wonder why the leader of the Greens reminds me of Rowan Atkinson and I think I’ve finally got it," he said during the debate on Wednesday.
"She's at her best when she keeps her mouth shut. Mr Bean, I think I’ll have to call you Mr Bean from now on."
Mr Abetz withdrew the remark immediately, noting "it was a bit unfair to Rowan Atkinson as well".
He defended himself on Thursday under questioning in parliament by Greens MP Cecily Rosol, who said the "sexist" remark was "shocking".
"The accusation that my comment, which was withdrawn, was in any way shape or form sexist, is offensive and I ask it be withdrawn," Mr Abetz said.
Mr Abetz, who served as a senator from 1994 to 2022, has previously come under fire for purported comments about women.
The 66-year-old was accused in 2021 by former Liberal and then-Tasmanian MP Sue Hickey of "slut shaming" alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins.
Ms Hickey said Mr Abetz had told her the "Higgins girl" was so disgustingly drunk she would sleep with anybody and could have put the security of the nation at risk.
Mr Abetz categorically denied making the comments and accused Ms Hickey, who spoke under parliamentary privilege, of trying to destroy the Liberals.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff noted Mr Abetz had withdrawn his comment directed at Dr Woodruff.
"My expectation is, irrespective of gender, that we respect each other in this place," Mr Rockliff told parliament on Thursday.
He also took a shot at the Greens, accusing them of being very good at hurling abuse.
"There has been considerable vitriol coming our way accusing our people of dishonesty and all sorts of things, which can be hurtful," he said.
Dr Woodruff said Mr Abetz's mouth shut comment revealed his true colours.
"Unfortunately ... he's going to have to get used to strong and outspoken women," she told parliament on Wednesday.
A 2022 report found two-thirds of Tasmania's parliamentary and ministerial staff had witnessed discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace.
Mr Rockliff said the culture of parliament, which includes 17 women in the 35-seat lower house, had improved significantly but progress needed to continue.
