Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has described George Christensen as a "very strong player" in the Nationals and says it is important the rebel backbencher not abandon the party and follow in the footsteps of Bob Katter.

It was reported on the weekend that Mr Christensen said during the election campaign that he would quit the Queensland Liberal National Party and become an independent if the government didn't drop the "backpacker tax".

The member for Dawson, centred on Mackay, previously threatened to cross the floor and vote against the government's superannuation changes but dropped his plans after the government abandoned its $500,000 lifetime cap on non-concessional contributions.

His influence has risen since the election because the government only holds a one-seat majority in the House of Representatives.