Mining magnate Clive Palmer is threatening to block all the Abbott government's legislation – even measures he supports such as scrapping the carbon price – unless his party gets more staff and resources.

After striking a deal with Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party senator-elect Ricky Muir to form a balance-of-power voting bloc of four seats in the Senate from next July, Mr Palmer demanded the same staffing and resources as the Greens, who currently hold the balance.

Although the Palmer United Party and Mr Muir together have fewer than half the Senate seats held by the Greens, Mr Palmer said the balance-of-power role meant his bloc would need more staff to properly scrutinise legislation.