HEALTH Minister Tanya Plibersek has hit back at the furore created by the discovery of satirical posters of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott in her office in perhaps the most appropriate way – with more humour.

The posters in Ms Plibersek’s Sydney electorate office show a photo of Mr Abbott with the slogans “I’m threatened by boats and gays. Gays on boats are my worst nightmare” and also “Note to Ladies: Make me a sandwich”.

Mr Abbott immediately appeared on Channel Nine saying the posters of him were “tacky” and “not funny” and that “Tanya Plibersek should be better than that and the Labor Party should lift its game”.

Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop took the matter further, telling parliament she was outraged by the posters and calling on Ms Plibersek to apologise.

Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey also joined the discussion, saying the posters had offended Mr Abbott but that he was taking it in his stride.

Ms Plibersek has reportedly refused to apologise, but instead said in a statement that the posters were clearly satire and had told her staffer to take them down.

Later, as images began to spread the internet of Mr Abbott at an anti-carbon tax rally alongside posters calling Ms Julia a “witch”, Ms Plibersek took to Twitter to give the final – if not exactly serious – word on the matter.

“Have instituted formal satire ban in office,” she tweeted.