Tony Abbott’s chief of staff Peta Credlin says a lack of ‘sisterhood’ in politics motivated her to set up a network for women in Canberra.

In June, Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer accused Mr Abbott of concocting his generous parental leave scheme just for Ms Credlin, who is actually unable to have children.

Mr Palmer’s comments were derided across the political spectrum, with Labor leader Bill Shorten labelling the attack as “unwarranted and wrong”.

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“This solidarity that women are supposed to have just wasn’t there,” Ms Credlin told The Australian.

Speaking at the first networking event on Wednesday, Ms Credlin said she was often snubbed by businessmen at meetings because they didn’t think she was part of the official party.

“People have asked me to move because the seat is for Mr Peta Credlin. That has happened twice,” she said.