In her return to Parliament House, speaking as chair of Our Watch - a group attempting to prevent domestic violence - tensions were boiling over in the Senate.

Richard Di Natale's refusal to withdraw calling the Nationals' Barry O'Sullivan a pig saw the Greens leader booted from parliament on Tuesday.

The already infamous exchange stemmed from Senator O'Sullivan saying there was a "bit of Nick Xenophon in" the Greens' Sarah Hanson-Young.

Senator O'Sullivan insisted there was no double meaning to his comments, but the Greens senators strongly disagreed.

Shortly after, Ms Stott Despoja was in a room, not away from the chamber, talking about respect for women and the importance that can play in stopping family violence.

The former Australian Democrats leader says politicians have a responsibility to model their behaviour for the community to emulate in a bid to tackle gendered stereotypes.

International and national evidence has shown gender inequality is a key driver of violence against women.

"I've only been back here a few hours, but I'm not convinced that the respectful, ethical and equal relationships have been modelled in this place," Ms Stott Despoja told AAP.

"I think all Australians are pretty appalled by some of the behaviours demonstrated and shown here in the last few months and weeks.

"I say that not in any partisan way, but just to implore politicians to think of those children who are sitting in the gallery who will then model their behaviour on the tone that is set in this place. It matters."

Ms Stott Despoja knows how challenging a place parliament can be for women.

She first sat in the Senate as a 26-year-old in 1995, staying on for a 13-year stint.

"When I first walked into this place 23 years ago I was confronted by and subject to ridiculous stereotypes and often sexist and silly behaviour," Ms Stott Despoja said.

"I think it's really important that men's behaviour changes ... acknowledging inappropriate and derogatory behaviour, and calling it out."

During the Our Watch event, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten announced a new national plan to tackle family violence and $18 million for a program designed to keep women and children safe at home, if Labor forms government.

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Australian Associated Press