He told Fairfax Media on Wednesday he wasn't aware of Ms Lambie's comments but a string of text messages to Muslim community leader Keysar Trad indicate he is not only aware of her strident stance against sharia but has assured Mr Trad it is not PUP policy.

Ms Lambie said: "Anyone who supports sharia law in Australia should not have the right to vote, should not be given government handouts and should probably pack up their bags and get out of here."

Angered by her comments, Mr Trad, spokesman for the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia, said he contacted Mr Palmer and told him the Muslim community – much of which lives in key marginal seats – had been impressed with PUP's stance on the budget. But with three state elections on the horizon, he warned Mr Palmer against "alienating Muslim voters".

In response, Mr Trad said Mr Palmer told him: "We need to calm things down, give it a couple of weeks. I'm confident that others will be pointing out matters [to Senator Lambie]".

Mr Trad has offered to give Senator Lambie, PUP senators, and Mr Palmer a "cultural briefing" on sharia.