Nationals Senate Leader Barnaby Joyce has encouraged Coalition MPs to keep speaking passionately in partyroom meetings despite the risk that it could be seen as a challenge to the leader.
Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull says he is disappointed that reports emerged from yesterday's party meeting that focused on a passionate speech by the former treasurer Peter Costello on the position the party should take on industrial relations.
Coalition MPs today say there was broad support for Mr Turnbull's position.
Senator Joyce says he supports vigorous debate.
"Your right to speak should not be precluded because it might be envisaged as a challenge," he said.
"Now there is obviously static out there, that static needs to be resolved.
"Just because someone speaks in the joint partyroom even if they get angry, even if they're direct, that's your democratic right - we should be endorsing it, not precluding it."