The Palmer United Party's two senators, Glenn Lazarus and Zhenya "Dio" Wang, will abstain from voting on government legislation indefinitely, according to party leader Clive Palmer.
In a statement released on Monday, Mr Palmer said it would be irresponsible for the party to vote on any legislation until government "chaos" had ended.
"The government's proposals seem to change daily," Mr Palmer said.
"The policies are not consistent, party infighting and conflict is ongoing and as a result our party has decided as a bloc to abstain from voting on any legislation proposals."
Fairfax Media is seeking clarification on the party's position. If the abstention refers to PUP senators not attending any Senate votes - rather than voting down any government bills - then this could make it easier for the government to pass legislation.
Only days ago Mr Palmer vowed that his party would vote against any attempts to introduce a co-payment for Medicare services and he has said repeatedly that PUP would vote against the deregulation of university fees.
According to the Odgers' Australian Senate Practice manual, Senate votes are decided by a simple majority of those present and voting on bills before the Senate. Senators who wish to abstain in a vote can do so only by absenting themselves from the floor of the chamber.
Former PUP senator Jacqui Lambie has vowed to vote down any government legislation until it improves its pay rise offer for Defence personnel.
More to come
