Senior federal Liberal Christopher Pyne has dismissed concerns about pre-selection party wrangles in NSW, saying they are part of a democratic process.
Speculation surrounds several sitting parliamentarians, including conservatives Craig Kelly and Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who could face internal moves by moderates to unseat them.
Treasurer Scott Morrison has backed the duo but says any decision about their fate will be determined by party process.
"Ultimately these are matters that are decided by local selectors and that is the process in place," Mr Morrison said on Wednesday.
Mr Pyne touched on his own experience having defeated a sitting MP in a pre-selection contest 20 years ago before being elected to federal parliament.
As well he's faced challenges from "young enthusiastic people" who believed they could knock him off - but failed.
"In pre-selections, especially after redistributions, there is always a robust, democratic competitive process," Mr Pyne told reporters in Adelaide.
"The dust will settle and life will go on."
But dumped cabinet minister Eric Abetz says there's a problem with the process.
The conservative senator has called for an overhaul to give rank-and-file members more say over preselections.
He claimed there was a push coming from a "certain group" wanting to disendorse conservatives.
"It is important that the NSW division gets its house in order for the sake of the nation," Senator Abetz told the ABC.
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