Simple mathematics are the reason the Nationals have lost a cabinet spot under Prime Minister Scott Morrison's revamped leadership team.
The coalition's junior partner has four cabinet spots, down from five, after the election.
"That's simple mathematics, it's a proportion of the government party room," deputy leader Bridget McKenzie told Sky News on Tuesday.
"But we've had a fantastic result and I think you see how regional Australia really responded to the National party's local campaign."
Water Minister David Littleproud said Nationals leader Michael McCormack did push for his party to get more ministers, but got what the agreement said he should.
"He did. The reality is we are governed by the arithmetic. That's politics," he told the ABC.
"We've got an agreement around the apportionment of the number of positions. Michael has walked out with exactly what we should have got."
Mr Littleproud said Mr McCormack made sure the key portfolio of drought response had been elevated within the cabinet.
"We have a prime minister who has elevated this to the highest level showing we are working hard and we are getting our fair share as Nats," he said.
"He (Mr Morrison) has come out and kicked the dust, he's sat at those people's kitchen table with me and Michael McCormack. He understands it and we are getting our fair share."
Barnaby Joyce's role of special envoy for the drought was not renewed, which came as a surprise to the New England MP.
"I do understand the fact that drought envoy position was to finish at the end of the period of the last parliament," Mr Littleproud said.
"I know Michael is very respectful to those that did get positions ... and also to those that didn't."
Senator McKenzie said Mr Morrison's visits to drought-stricken areas shows he's committed to dealing with the problem.
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