Nationals defector Llew O'Brien says a culture that supports the use of taxpayer funds to attend the party's centenary celebrations next month speaks volumes about a wider issue with the Coalition's junior member.

Key points: Queensland MP Llew O'Brien says there are issues with the culture inside the National's party room

Queensland MP Llew O'Brien says there are issues with the culture inside the National's party room He said politicians need to stand up and not vote as a herd

He said politicians need to stand up and not vote as a herd Other party members say the Nationals have a strong future

The Queensland MP sensationally quit the National Party room last week after orchestrating an unsuccessful attempt to topple party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.

Later that day he was elected Deputy Speaker ahead of the Government's choice, Damian Drum, with the backing of a breakaway group of National Party members, including fellow Queenslander Ken O'Dowd and Labor.

The Federal Member for Wide Bay said a proposal to hold a party room meeting in Melbourne to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Nationals — allowing MPs to claim travel expenses — was the latest in a series of party decisions that made him feel deeply uncomfortable.

"I think it speaks to a wider cultural issue when people think that it's OK to access public funds that really shouldn't be accessed under those circumstances," he said.

"To think of people who are on $200,000 a year dipping into those public funds that hardworking Australians can't afford to be giving away is something that doesn't sit well with me.

"The culture it needs to change, where everyone finds it abhorrent to dip into taxpayers money for a celebration, interstate travel and accommodation. It's not on.

"It's something that I will always speak out against and if push comes to shove I will stand up and do the sorts of things that I did last week."

He said it was not the first time he has raised concerns about the direction of the party.

Llew O'Brien pointed to a party culture issue "when people think that it's OK to access public funds that really shouldn't be accessed". ( ABC News: Toby Hunt )

Politicians need more guts not to follow herd

The Barnaby Joyce backer said although some other party members backed his concerns, others remained silent.

"It's interesting that people say it doesn't pass the pub test now that I've brought it out into the open. I was the one that said it didn't pass the pub test in the party room," he said.

"I'm glad that they're articulating that but I want to see some real change.

"People in Canberra need more guts.

"When issues come up like that don't just think, 'what's the bloke or lady next to me doing. I'll do what they're doing'."



Banking royal commission raised culture issues

Mr O'Brien said he had been ostracised at times by members in his former party room for his willingness to cross the floor, particularly in relation to the banking royal commission.

"One minister who serves now in the National Party described my move [to push for the royal commission] as the lowest point in his political career," he said.

"I think the Australian people back me on that. I don't think it was the lowest point in anyone's political career."

He said his decision to quit the National Party room will allow him more freedom, but won't add any weight to his vote.

Strength of party 'not an issue'

The new Minister for Resources, Northern Australia and Water — a fellow Queenslander who sits with the Nationals — said the party remained strong despite leadership tensions.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said Mr O'Brien continued to support the Government and his decision would not impact on support for the party.

"The Nats have always been a strong party. They celebrate their centenary this year," he said.

"I think they've always had a strong future because they're the only party that solely represents regional Australia.