Opposition wants Slipper to step aside

Pressure is increasing on the federal government to have the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Peter Slipper, step aside while allegations of sexual harassment are investigated.

Opposition leader Tony Abbott says while Mr Slipper is entitled to the presumption of innocence, he does have a lot of explaining to do and should step aside.

The ABC reports this morning that Mr Abbott wants the Australian Federal Police to investigate the sexual harassment allegations against the Speaker.

Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie says Mr Slipper should sit on the crossbench until the matter's resolved.

But government Leader of the House, Anthony Albanese, says any question of stepping aside is one for Mr Slipper to decide.

Mr Slipper, who's due back in Australia today, denies the allegations made by 33-year-old adviser James Ashby, who says he was hired by Mr Slipper to pursue a sexual relationship with him.

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