Abbott wishes the burka 'was not worn' in Australia

Tony Abbott says he wishes the burka "was not worn" in Australia, and has indicated he may support calls to ban the Islamic head-covering from being worn by visitors to Parliament House.

Coalition backbenchers Cory Bernardi and George Christensen have said they believe the burka should be removed at security checkpoints coming into the building.

"It is perfectly appropriate that in certain circumstances people be required to show their face. There can't be one rule for one form of attire and a different rule for another form of attire," Mr Abbott said today.

He said he found the burka a "confronting form of attire" but added: "We are a free country ... and it is not the business of Government to tell people what they should and shouldn't wear."

more: Abbott wishes the burka 'was not worn' in Australia

Tony Abbott says he wishes the burka "was not worn" in Australia, and has indicated he may support calls to ban the Islamic head-covering from being worn by visitors to Parliament House.

Coalition backbenchers Cory Bernardi and George Christensen have said they believe the burka should be removed at security checkpoints coming into the building.

"It is perfectly appropriate that in certain circumstances people be required to show their face. There can't be one rule for one form of attire and a different rule for another form of attire," Mr Abbott said today.

He said he found the burka a "confronting form of attire" but added: "We are a free country ... and it is not the business of Government to tell people what they should and shouldn't wear."