Conservative backbencher Cory Bernardi has warned the prime minister off doing deals with Labor and the Greens, saying it could spell the end of the Liberal Party.
The Liberal senator has no doubt it will be difficult for the government to pass legislation when parliament resumes next week, but warns any deals with the left would come at a heavy price for his party.
The coalition has 30 seats in the new Senate and needs another nine votes to pass laws and motions.
It'll either have to work with Labor, the Greens or the motley crew of 11 crossbenchers, including Pauline Hanson's powerful One Nation bloc of four and Nick Xenophon's team of three.
Senator Bernardi says neither side can deliver what the country needs but warns the government against giving in to the "anti-market agenda".
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"Any deal with Labor and the Greens would presumably involve the compromise of the conservative principles underpinning the Liberal Party philosophy," Senator Bernardi writes in his weekly "dose of common sense" email on Wednesday.
"Whilst it may be tempting for the government to accede to the anti-market agenda in the hope of getting a few wins on the board, to do so would ultimately deliver worse outcomes for everyday Australians and our country.
"It may also have significant implications for the future of the Liberal Party itself."
Senator Bernardi says Liberal principles of lower taxes, stronger families, free enterprise and limited government were not shared by Labor or the Greens.
Deals with the opposition and the minor parties would just result in more attacks on capitalism and money wasted on international programs, climate change initiatives and domestic social engineering agendas, he said.
