Nationals MPs who were sacked for breaching shadow cabinet solidarity would be benched for six months under a fresh proposal put by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to Nationals leader David Littleproud.
The pair met on Monday night and held what both parties described as constructive talks.
Ley was briefing the Liberal Party room on Tuesday morning.
According to sources in the room, Ley said the offer she made to Littleproud included that the three senators who resigned from the shadow cabinet a fortnight ago after crossing the floor would not be eligible to sit on the frontbench for at least six months.
Reuniting the Coalition would also require the reinforcement of shadow cabinet discipline. The Liberals would also reclaim the shadow assistant treasurer portfolio from the Nationals, with the skills portfolio given back in return.
Ley stressed to colleagues that the offer was just that, not a demand.
The Nationals would be able to pick three other MPs to fill the frontbench spots left by the resignations of Bridget McKenzie, Ross Cadell and Susan McDonald.
More to come
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Paul Sakkal is chief political correspondent. He previously covered Victorian politics and has won Walkley and Quill awards. Reach him securely on Signal @paulsakkal.14Connect via X or email.
