Nats considering ending coalition_5320

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"If it takes more time, then take that time," he said.
"But we have won seats in each of the state elections in Queensland, NSW and Victoria; we've held our own in South Australia and Western Australia," Mr Truss said.
Asked if he was talking about dismantling the coalition, Mr Truss repeated that all options were on the table.
And in Queensland,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, a proposed merger of the two parties could be delayed after the newly elected state Liberal president said members had grave fears about rushing the plans.
Ballot papers have been sent to the state's 5,500 Liberal members and, if passed next month, the Liberals and Nationals will hold separate constitutional conventions to approve an agreement and constitution for the new party.
The former Howard government indigenous affairs minister remains opposed to aspects of the planned new party's draft constitution.
The Nationals had not done well in the last federal election, but neither had the Liberals, he said.
"Clearly there is widespread support for the merger,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, and I am in support of the merger," Mr Brough said.
He said he was committed to working closely with National party president Bruce McIver and opposition leader Lawrence Springborg in the coming days to "fine tune" some of those issues, and discuss the views expressed at this weekend's convention.
In Brisbane, deliberations continued over the proposed merger.
"In Queensland, there are moves towards a merger. In other states they're not nearly that far ahead," Mr Truss said.
The conservative parties have been in coalition federally since 1922,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, apart from short breaks such as the four-month split caused by the Joh for PM push in 1987.
"Mr Brough has shown leadership with that stance and he has shown a commitment to his members by ensuring a plebiscite on the merger will proceed," Mr McIver said.
"So there's still vitality in the party."
About 450 Liberal delegates spent Sunday debating its merits behind closed doors.
"We're looking at all the options, not just merger," Mr Truss told Network Ten.
The Nationals are considering ending their historic federal coalition with the Liberal Party as part of a review of the rural party's future.
National party members have already voted in favour of the plan.
Newly elected Liberal state president Mal Brough told reporters outside the convention that more time might be needed to get the framework of the new party right.
Nats considering ending coalition
"We're looking at the potential to even go it alone or to have a stronger role or a different role within the coalition.
The Nationals are the dominant party in the Queensland coalition but the junior party everywhere else.
But Mr McIver said he and Mr Brough had committed to completing negotiations by July.
He said he looked forward to working with Mr Brough, who brought a wealth of experience to the job.
"So it's appropriate that we should discuss all of these things frankly with our political colleagues, the Liberal party,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, but most importantly with the people who've trusted us over the years to represent them in the parliament."
Federally just 10 members of parliament are Nationals, half the number of two decades ago.
"Everyone was also keen to make sure that meant weeks, and not months and years. But (there is) real grave concern about rushing it."
"All the options are on the table, as they ought to be following election defeats and following our determination to try and make sure that we have in place the best structures to represent those who want to support non-Labor politics in this country."
"But it is imperative that we give the members as much information as possible so they can make an informed decision on this critical issue."
Former leader John Anderson is reviewing the party's federal future and Nationals leader Warren Truss said all options were being considered.