Tanya Plibersek has addressed media reports of bullying and mistreatment within ALP ranks directed at Senator Kimberley Kitching.

Former Labor MP Michael Danby has claimed Ms Kitching was the subject of bullying within the party and says she felt the stress of preselection.

It was reported she felt ostracised by some of her senior female colleagues.

The Labor Senator died of a heart attack last week in Melbourne, aged just 52.

Ms Plibersek, the Shadow Minister for Education and Women, says it was time to respect her memory and contribution in the days following her death.

“Kimberley has sadly died long before her time, she was making an amazing contribution to the Senate and to Australian public life even globally I think you’d have to say with her support for human rights laws,” Ms Plibersek told Scott Emerson.

“I think we really need to respect her memory and focus on that at this really difficult time for her family.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ms Plibersek weigh in on the PM’s weight loss quip at Anthony Albanese

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