Three federal Nationals MPs spoke against a move to break from the Liberals in a closed door meeting as it emerges the country party's executive was only informed about the split a day before it was announced.
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The Nationals walked away from the Coalition for the first time in nearly 40 years on May 20, citing four key policy areas where the partners diverged - nuclear power, big supermarket dominance, a $20 billion regional investment fund, and universal phone service.
Three Nationals - Michael McCormack, Barnaby Joyce and Darren Chester - were not convinced it was a good idea.
Some in the party more broadly are furious, concerned the break up will leave the Nationals with minor party status in parliament and fewer resources, bereft of Coalition infrastructure.
There also looms the possibility of fighting three-cornered contests against their conservative colleagues in regional seats at the next election if the parties haven't reunited by then.
"People are pretty angry," one senior insider said. "It's a stupid f---ing idea."
Another described it as a "shit show".
No communications to members
A day after Nationals leader David Littleproud announced the split, members and supporters had still received no official communication from the party's national executive.
Most found out about it from news media reports on May 20.
But Nationals federal president Kay Hull backed in the move and said the executive was informed the same day the parliamentary members voted, which was in keeping with its constitution.
"I'm actually very proud," she told ACM.
"It's not a war and I will not be part of any discussions that seek to make it a war," she said.
The Coalition parties had a long shared history and doors remained open between them, she said.
ACM has been told Nationals membership inquiries had surged since the split, but questions were already being asked about Mr Littleproud's tenure as leader.
Professor Geoff Cockfield, who has studied the Nationals for decades, said he expects the Coalition to be back together again before the next election.
"I think they'll reunite otherwise they'll be obliterated," the University of Southern Queensland honorary professor said.
Concessions will likely need to be made on both sides, he said.
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