The new Senate cross benchers are not a motley crew, "they're all God's children" says Coalition senator Eric Abetz, as the government prepares to start negotiations with the incoming senators on a range of issues including the repeal of the carbon tax.

Asked on ABC radio on Tuesday if the government would resist being held hostage by ''this motley crew'' of new senators, the government's leader in the Senate rejected the term, saying that he would treat the record number of crossbenchers in the Senate with respect individually and in whatever voting groups they adopted.

Senator Abetz said the repeal of the carbon and mining taxes were the government's priority and it would then seek to discuss budget measures such as the $7 GP fee.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has also told ABC radio that the repeal of the carbon and mining taxes are the government's first priorities, followed by the passage of budget measures it is struggling to find support for.