The Nationals are jostling for another spot on the opposition frontbench, after increasing their parliamentary representation at the federal election.
Nationals leader Warren Truss will meet Opposition Leader Tony Abbott next week to seek another spot for the junior coalition partner.
His spokesman told AAP the party had increased its share in the coalition from 14 per cent to 17 per cent at the August 21 poll, if West Australian rebel MP-elect Tony Crook and Victorian senator-elect Bridget McKenzie were counted.
"There's an entitlement to ensure representation (of The Nationals) is there, purely based on the numbers," he said.
Ms McKenzie's term does not start until July 2011, while Mr Crook is a special case because although he was elected as a WA National and rolled Liberal Wilson Tuckey in the process, he wants to vote as an independent.
Of the 24 regional seats the party contested, it won 12, proportionally the best result it has produced since 1949.
The decision of rural independents to support a Labor minority government is a blow to the party, but another frontbench position would help lift its public profile.
The opposition will organise its line-up once Labor has announced its reshuffle early next week.
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