Speaker Bronwyn Bishop has warned federal MPs that parliamentary privilege might not cover defamatory tweets.

Labor MP Jim Chalmers was absent from the House of Representatives on Monday after being suspended last week for calling Prime Minister Tony Abbott a “pathological liar” during question time.

The Queensland MP was forced to leave the chamber but repeated the remark in a tweet afterwards.

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“Time and time again Tony Abbott has proven to be a #pathologicalliar – Triggs, pensions, SBS, health, ed the list goes on and on,” he wrote.

Time and time again Tony Abbott has proven to be a #pathologicalliar – Triggs, pensions, SBS, health, ed the list goes on and on #auspol #qt

— Jim Chalmers MP (@JEChalmers) February 26, 2015

Labor MP Jim Chalmers tweeting “#pathologicalliar” after being removed from #qt for saying the same remark may be contempt of parliament!

— Myles Holley (@mylesholley) February 26, 2015

MPs vote on suspending Labor MP Jim Chalmers for 24 hours after “pathological liar” barb. #asupol #qt pic.twitter.com/mdF9KzzKQr

— Richard Lawson (@lawsonaap) February 26, 2015

After investigating the matter, Mrs Bishop said no action would be taken against Mr Chalmers for the unparliamentary language.

But she warned all MPs against tweeting inside or outside the chamber because it was unlikely to be covered by parliamentary privilege.

It could expose them to the possibility of legal action, she said.

Mr Chalmers was later granted parental leave for the remainder of the parliamentary sitting period.

– with AAP