Barnaby Joyce appears set to join a shuffled Coalition frontbench as part of efforts to settle frayed nerves and build unity after the leadership crisis.

The Queensland Nationals senator has previously rebuffed all efforts to draft him to a shadow ministry, fearing it would disrupt his freedom to speak out on issues.

But he now sees merit in joining the Tony Abbott-led team to buttress Mr Abbott's opposition to the Federal Government's emissions trading scheme, and to manage his own transition towards the leadership of the National Party.

''I am strongly inclined to go to the frontbench,'' Senator Joyce told The Age yesterday. ''I am inclined to give Tony Abbott whatever support I can.''

In order to hold the hard line against emissions trading, Senator Joyce said it was important to be ''as close to the fray as possible''.

Discussions are continuing about possible portfolios.

Senator Joyce would add to the Nationals existing representation on the frontbench.

That would normally be contentious, but it is understood senior Liberal players are on board with the idea.

The current shadow treasurer and Mr Abbott's rival in this week's leadership ballot, Joe Hockey, confirmed yesterday he would remain in his position.

Mr Abbott welcomed this news yesterday.

Mr Hockey said: ''Australians expect the Opposition to be united and a united Opposition should focus on the interests of the Australian people, rather than on themselves.''

The newly installed leader also signalled that the shuffle, while minimising further internal angst, could inject new players into the mix.

Mr Abbott said: ''I'd like to promote good people.''

One expected to make a comeback is Mr Abbott's colleague from the Howard ministry, Kevin Andrews.

He has been overseeing the Coalition's internal policy development process, and threw his hat into the ring during the leadership convulsions.

Mr Abbott said he had two aims in mind in finalising his decisions.

''It is still my plan, in consultation with Julie [Bishop], with the Senate leadership, with [Nationals leader] Warren Truss, it's still my plan to minimise disruption,'' Mr Abbott said.

''That's my plan. And it's certainly my absolute determination to ensure that the shadow ministry reflects the broad church of the Liberal Party,'' he said.