“Tony Abbott’s latest message to Liberals to avoid a double-dissolution election beggars belief,” Senator Fielding said.

“This sets a dangerous precedent, given it appears as though the Liberals will just roll over and pass bad policy because they don’t want to go to an early election.

“Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott need to grow a spine.

"They need to stand up and do what’s right for this country, not just operate in their own interest.

“I’m seeking an urgent meeting with Mr Turnbull to discuss this issue because I honestly believe we can’t have an opposition which is scared of standing up to the government.

“At the end of the day, if the opposition simply rolls over and gives the Rudd Government a green light to do as it wishes, we could be paying for the consequence for years to come.”