When asked for his thoughts on Tuesday's impending Liberal Party leadership spill, Dr Gillespie said: “The leadership of the Parliamentary Liberal Party is a matter for Liberal Party MPs and Senators.”

“As a member of The Nationals, we have elected our own leadership team of (Leader) Warren Truss and (Deputy Leader) Barnaby Joyce," Dr Gillespie said.

"That is the leadership team we took to the election and they received an overwhelming endorsement at that election.”

“Following yesterday's meeting in Wodonga of the Federal Parliamentary Party of The Nationals, our Leader Warren Truss indicated the overwhelming resolution of our party room is to support the leadership of Tony Abbott and we welcome his continuing commitment to work with The Nationals on matters of importance to regional Australia.

“As Warren has said, the Coalition Agreement signed to form government is between him and Tony Abbott, and approved by the Governor-General. Any change to the Liberal Leadership would require a separate agreement.

“The majority of the electorate is looking for a strong and stable government that can fix the mess left behind by Labor, the Greens and Independents to get the economy going and a safe and secure country that delivers hope, reward and opportunity.”