Political footsie over PM sex scene

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard won't be sitting at home watching political satire At Home With Julia when it goes to air tonight.

The third episode of the ABC TV programme shows the prime minister (actor Amanda Bishop) and Tim Mathieson (Phil Lloyd) in a love clinch on the floor of her office in Parliament House.

The pair are covered by an Australian flag, which they are using as a sheet.

Gillard said she watched the first episode of the program, though not on the night it was broadcast.

"I'm not intending to watch tonight's episode. I've got more to do," Ms Gillard told ABC Radio on Wednesday.

"Aspects of that first episode were funny but, seriously, I've got more to do than sit around watching ABC TV."

Ms Gillard said she had a good sense of humour but she wasn't going to provide commentary on the program or cross-promotion for the ABC.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has also dismissed the show, describing it as "low rent".

"I don't mind programs taking the mickey out of politicians," he told ABC Radio.

"But frankly I think this one is a bit low rent." Other MPs have condemned the show as appalling, particularly the offensive use of the flag.

Nationals MP John Forrest told a coalition joint party meeting in Canberra on Tuesday that the office sex segment was appalling.

Queensland Liberal MP Teresa Gambaro told the party room the program degraded the office of the prime minister, and called for a rethink of ABC funding.

But veteran Liberal MP Bronwyn Bishop told the meeting that although the program may be "tasteless", viewers could simply turn it off if they were offended.

The fourth and final episode is due to air in Australia next week.

- AAP