Nationals’ MP Michael McCormack has confirmed there are “rumblings” within the government, and some members have reached “tipping point” over Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s leadership.
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Mr McCormack, who is a parliamentary secretary, publicly criticised the Prime Minister for his decision to make Prince Philip a knight and said it set the government on the “back foot”.
“He’s just not thought it through and I don’t know why he’s done it,” he said.
“If I said there weren’t rumblings, or disquiet about that particular decision, I wouldn’t be correct.”
Mr McCormack said the decision reflected poorly on the government and gave the impression it was out of touch.
“It is out of touch and out of touch with modern Australian thinking,” he said.
"We’ve got a good story to tell but these sorts of decisions that are made … it just sets you on the back foot.
“It’s not going to affect my life, your life or anyone’s life.”
Mr McCormack said he was “surprised” when he read the headlines on Australia Day, and believed Australia Day was meant to be about Australians.
“I think (Prince Philip) has received enough accolades over the years,” he said.
“We need to, particularly on Australia Day, be all things Australian. It should have gone to an Australian. They should go to Australians who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.”
Mr Abbott has defended his “captain’s pick” by highlighting the value of the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme.
But Mr McCormack said it was not something Riverina people – or regional Australians – agreed with.
“I’ve spoken to my Nationals colleagues who were surprised,” he said.
“If you walk down Banna Avenue or Hoskins Street (Temora) or Baylis Street (Wagga), people are more concerned about cost of living and jobs.
“I think you would struggle to get one in ten people who agreed with it.”
Mr McCormack said the previous Labor government had made a contentious “captain’s pick” with the appointment of Senator Nova Peris.
“But at least Nova is an Australian,” he said.
“It is something the Prime Minister should have sought a bit more counsel about.”
The Riverina MP said he “liked” Mr Abbott, but he was “always honest” about what he thought.
He predicted more rumblings over the decision when Parliament resumed next month.
“It will be an interesting next couple of weeks,” he said.
“I suppose that particular decision will be the tipping point.”
