The Liberal National Party’s loss in the Queensland election has sparked demerger talk, while at a federal level it has emboldened the Nationals to take a more independent line.

Nationals cabinet minister Matt Canavan, who is a Queenslander, doesn’t agree that breaking up the LNP would solve any problems politically: “You can’t unscramble the egg”.

Despite being an opponent of a royal commission into the banks, Canavan says the government’s change of tune to support it demonstrates the strong ability of National backbenchers to push their agenda.

Michelle Grattan owns bank shares.