Independent MP Geoff Shaw is free to join forces with Clive Palmer, Victoria's premier says.
There is speculation the balance-of-power MP may run for Mr Palmer's party with Mr Shaw telling News Corp Australia he admires the mining tycoon and has exchanged texts with him.
Premier Denis Napthine said the Frankston MP was responsible for choosing his own political alliances.
"That's a decision for Geoff Shaw. He resigned from the parliamentary Liberal Party," Dr Napthine told ABC Radio on Monday.
"What he does in terms of his future political activities is a matter for him as an independent and if he wishes to join another party that's his decision."
Mr Shaw, who quit as a Liberal to become an independent MP last March, voted with the Labor opposition twice during the first parliamentary sittings for 2014 at the beginning of February.
That included siding with Labor to defeat the government's business agenda for the week, in a surprise move that came after his desire for a new Speaker was granted.
Asked about Mr Shaw and this week's sitting of parliament, Dr Napthine said his government's business program is sensible and workable - and the Labor party should support it.
"If they don't support the government business program what they're saying to the people of Victoria is that they want to play politics with parliament, " he told reporters.
