Rookie senator Ricky Muir has shown his first signs of independence from the Palmer United Party, raising doubts about a crucial voting bloc on which the government is relying to pass legislation.
Senator Muir, from the Australian Motoring Enthusiasts Party, voted on Wednesday with Labor and the Greens to stop the government from gagging and guillotining debate on repealing the carbon tax.
The Victorian senator has an agreement to vote with Clive Palmer's party, delivering four out of the six crossbench votes the government requires to pass legislation and support motions.
However, while the three PUP senators voted with the coalition he sided with Labor, the Greens, independent Nick Xenophon and Democratic Labour Party's John Madigan.
The 36-36 vote meant the government's motion failed.
Senator Muir told AAP on Tuesday night he was interested in renewable energy and wanted to see a vote on his amendment to retain the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
"Renewable energy is the way of the future and it's something that very much interests me," he said.
Labor Senate leader Penny Wong accused the government of wanting to bring on a vote to match Prime Minister Tony Abbott's media schedule.
The carbon tax repeal bills are still expected to pass within days, with the support of six cross benchers.
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