MPs back Rudd before Labor meeting

SENIOR ministers are rallying behind Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ahead of a meeting of the Labor caucus on Tuesday.

Mr Rudd is under pressure from colleagues to reach an agreement with mining companies on his government's resource super profits tax.

The controversial measure is responsible for a sharp slump in support for Labor in resources-rich Western Australia and Queensland.

Labor MPs in marginal seats are concerned the issue will affect their chances at an election likely later this year.

Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner dismissed speculation about Mr Rudd's leadership.

When asked on ABC Radio whether he felt the backbench mood against the prime minister had changed in recent weeks, Mr Tanner: "No it's not."

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith admitted that in the run-up to an election there were "nerves" amongst MPs, especially those in marginal seats.

Mr Smith said he had been "gobsmacked" by feverish media speculation about Mr Rudd's future.

"Let's have a Bex and a good lie down," he told Sky News.

Mr Smith said the Rudd government was facing similar pre-election "difficulties" to those of the Hawke and Howard governments.

Labor was likely to win back voter support when the political focus returned to such things as management of the economy.

"Often the best advice you can give to people is don't worry about agonising about defeat or victory," Mr Smith said.

"Just get on with it, less agonising, more application."

Small Business Minister Craig Emerson was emphatic when asked about the prime minister's future.

"He will lead us through the next election, absolutely no doubt," he told Sky News.

Labor backbenchers are also supporting Mr Rudd with Queensland MP Yvette D'ath denying there was growing discontent in the caucus.

"There is no (leadership) speculation happening amongst the backbenchers," she told reporters in Canberra.

Mr Rudd was a great leader and the cabinet was a strong team.

"I find that the ministers in this cabinet are very willing to talk to people like myself ... I find that their doors are always open, as with the prime minister," she said.

"I certainly have no complaints because I find that they are willing to listen."

WA MP Sharryn Jackson said the government could have got off to a better start with selling the mining tax.

"Of course we could have done better, you can always do better," she said.

"But I do not for a minute criticise the consultation process, it has been open, it is genuine and it is real."

Ms Jackson said she hadn't heard any leadership speculation among her colleagues.

"Any chatter about that is coming from the commentariat and the media, and perhaps some wishful thinking from the Libs," she said.

Meanwhile, the opposition enjoyed stirring the pot ahead of the caucus meeting.

Liberal backbencher Stuart Robert said Mr Rudd should listen to anyone other than his closest confidants - deputy Julia Gillard, Treasurer Wayne Swan and Mr Tanner.

"Mr Rudd has made sure the only voice being heard is his and his kitchen cabinet," he told reporters in Canberra.

"The gang of four has been running the nation."

Opposition resources spokesman Ian Macfarlane said Mr Rudd should beware of his deputy.

"I did say a few months ago that if I was Kevin Rudd I'd only be sleeping with one eye shut," he said.

"My advice to Kevin Rudd is now keep both eyes open when you're asleep, because Julia Gillard's after your job."

Asked if a leadership spill was expected at the caucus meeting, Labor senator Doug Cameron said: "Absolutely not.

"The caucus has been a cohesive and a very, very good caucus," he told reporters.

"I have had no one say to me that there's any change in the wind. I don't feel it.

"The prime minister is doing a good job."

The opposition is also hoping the rumours about Mr Rudd's fragile leadership are just that.

"I hope Mr Rudd stays there, he's good for us," Nationals Senate leader Barnaby Joyce said.

"Mr Rudd is poison."

Independent senator Nick Xenophon said he would be shocked if Mr Rudd did not take Labor to the next election, the timing of which is also the subject of renewed speculation.

Asked if the next two weeks could be the last parliamentary session before an election, Senator Xenophon said it was more likely than not, while Senator Joyce said it was a sure bet.

"The longer they (the government) go, the worse they get.

"So this will be it."

The Nationals election campaign had already begun, Senator Joyce said.