Coalition reunion on cards as leaders resume talks

The coalition could reunite just days after its shock split as the Liberal Party delays the announcement of its shadow cabinet to allow time for crisis talks between the two parties.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud revealed he will give the Liberals more time to discuss his party's policy requests after he blew up the coalition's decades-long partnership.

He has paused his attempt to announce portfolios for his party and in return Liberals leader Sussan Ley will not unveil her shadow ministry, which was set to be announced by the end of the week.

"This is a positive step forward - one in which we've always said we'd be productive and constructive," Mr Littleproud told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.

"We didn't do what we did on Tuesday lightly - it was a tough decision, a huge decision, and we in a sign of good faith, have made it clear that I'm prepared to pause my announcement today."

Ms Ley said the Nationals indicated said they were willing to accept shadow cabinet solidarity as part of a coalition agreement.

"This is the first time this commitment has been made and I welcome it as a foundation to resolve other matters,'' she said.

"Earlier today I wrote to, and met with, David inviting him to re-enter good-faith negotiations. I am pleased he has accepted.

"It has always been the Liberal Party's objective to form a coalition and we welcome the Nationals' decision to re-enter negotiations."

The Nationals allege the break up occurred because they could not secure commitments on key policies.

The Liberals claimed the conservative relationship collapsed due to a disagreement over shadow cabinet solidarity, which binds members to publicly support collective decisions, even if they disagree internally.

Mr Littleproud said his previous negotiations with Ms Ley centred on four non-negotiable policies.

These included support for nuclear energy, break-up powers for supermarkets, a regional Australia future fund and reliable telco coverage in rural areas.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott said the political divorce was understandable, but regrettable.

"Let's get over the electoral PTSD and let's get back together again as quickly as possible," he told Sydney radio 2GB.

"If the Libs and the Nats go their separate ways, we won't have one strong opposition - we'll have two opposition parties that are fighting each other as much as they're fighting a bad government."