Another Liberal MP could be in trouble after reportedly calling independent MP Rob Oakeshott's mobile phone and telling his pregnant wife it was the devil calling.
News Limited says the Liberal was later forced to apologise via text message, telling Mr Oakeshott he thought he was speaking to one of his young children.
Liberal backbencher Alby Schultz has already been criticised for calling independent Tony Windsor, with allegations that he abused him and told him to support the coalition.
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The independent MPs who could determine who will move into the Lodge will start a week of make-or-break negotiations in Canberra today.
The rural independents Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott and Bob Katter are returning to the nation's capital for meetings with the prime minister, the opposition leader, ministers, shadow ministers and departmental heads.
Incoming Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie will also be in Canberra. He will have a meeting with Mr Abbott for the first time on Monday before holding further discussions with Ms Gillard.
The new Greens member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt, plans to prowl the corridors of power too. He will continue "good faith" negotiations with all sides despite indicating he will more than likely back Labor.
Mr Windsor on Sunday said he hoped a deal could be struck with Labor or the Coalition "by the end of the week".
But he admitted it could take longer and said: "I don't intend to rush".
Mr Wilkie, on the other hand, argues that the potential kingmakers need to get their act together quickly.
"I would hope to make my decision Tuesday or Wednesday," he told the Nine Network on Sunday.
"We need to wrap this up quickly and get behind someone."
Otherwise, he said, "voters will punish us all at the polls".
Labor and the Coalition look to have secured 72 seats each in the next parliament - short of the 76 needed for majority rule.
The crossbenches will occupied by the three rural independents, Mr Wilkie, Mr Bandt and a West Australian Nationals MP, Tony Crook.
Mr Crook is refusing to be counted as a member of the Coalition despite having ruled out backing Labor because of the proposed mining tax.
