Nothing to hide in coalition deal: Nats

The Nationals insist there's nothing to hide in the coalition agreement with the Liberal Party which the opposition wants made public.

The prime minister is expected to meet with Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce in the coming week to settle the coalition agreement, which is needed in order to govern.

Frontbencher Darren Chester admits he hasn't seen the agreement himself but says the pact has traditionally been kept confidential.

"It's not very secret when there will be a morning tea with the governor general and it will be broadcast live, where the outcomes of the negotiations will be on show for all Australians," he told ABC Radio on Monday.

Labor leader Bill Shorten wants the document publicly released.

"It's not a good start for this government if their first action is to have a secret deal," Mr Shorten said.

Mr Chester suggested Mr Shorten wanted the document as a political strategy.

"I can understand why (he) would like to see every internal party documentation he can to find out how we plan to beat him in future elections."