Clive Palmer insists his party is still united in its opposition to the federal government's planned overhaul of higher education.
Palmer United Party senator Dio Wang appears to be out of step with his leader and upper house colleague Glenn Lazarus on the issue.
"I do believe we need reform," he told The Australian on Thursday, citing Labor's decision in government to reduce funding to the sector by $6.6 billion and the coalition's reluctance to increase support.
Mr Palmer, asked about his senator's comments, told reporters in Canberra: "He doesn't believe it's necessary."
He then backtracked, saying Senator Wang didn't believe the government's legislation was necessary but PUP was looking at "general reform".
Senator Wang said reform was needed within three years but the government needed to do a better job of selling it to the public before pushing it through parliament.
He indicated he would not vote for any bill that did not look after rural and poorer students.
The two PUP senators, along with independents Jacqui Lambie and Nick Xenophon, voted with Labor and the Greens on Tuesday to defeat the government's first attempt to deregulate universities.
Education Minister Christopher Pyne has since introduced an amended version of the bill to parliament.
He is convinced he can win over the cross bench in the Senate.
Mr Palmer said his party had an obligation to look at any legislation the government put up, but he won't be supporting it in the lower house.
"It's just rubbish."
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