Nats president gets lacklustre backing

The Nationals' new federal president Larry Anthony has received a less-than-resounding endorsement from one of the party's own senators.

Queenslander Matt Canavan said Mr Anthony's unopposed election at The Nationals federal conference over the weekend was a matter for the party organisation.

Some Nationals were up in arms before the conference over the choice of Mr Anthony because of his lobbying connections, which include working for the owners of the controversial Shenhua mine project in northern NSW.

Party sources told AAP before his election the move could severely damage The Nationals' brand because of the link to the mine that deputy leader Barnaby Joyce has railed against.

"I can only note that I'm from Queensland and we've a strong rule in Queensland against lobbyists," Senator Canavan told reporters in Canberra on Monday when asked if Mr Anthony was the right choice.

"It's a strong rule and a good rule to ensure there's a separation with people who have even a perceived conflict of interest and who should run political parties."

Mr Anthony, a former Howard government minister, has cancelled the contract with the Chinese miner and deregistered himself as a lobbyist.

Nationals federal director Scott Mitchell told AAP Mr Anthony's election went smoothly and the conference had been a very positive gathering.

Despite his reservations, Senator Canavan said he knew Mr Anthony very well and predicted he would do a good job.