Getting rid of compulsory voting in Queensland would pave the way for radical political movements to push racist and extreme green agendas, Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce says.

The Queensland LNP government on Thursday released a discussion paper unveiling a raft of possible reforms that will be put up for public consultation, including whether voting should be a choice.

Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce foresees problems with any move to scrap compulsory voting.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the Newman government was playing into the hands of wealthy interest groups, while Treasurer Wayne Swan likened the proposal to something from Joh Bjelke-Petersen's era.

Now Senator Joyce, leader of the Nationals in the Senate, has warned that abolishing compulsory voting would not only reduce attendance at the ballot box but trigger a rise in radical fringe groups.