Mr Abbott told ABC radio that he was not interested in forming a minority government if the independent MPs remove their support for the ALP government and call a vote of no confidence.

''I don't want to become prime minister as a result of backroom deals,'' Mr Abbott said.

''If I was asked by the governor-general to form a government I would immediately advise an election. We need a real change and the only way we can get real change is with a real election.''

Earlier Mr Abbott had seized on Kevin Rudd's resignation as foreign minister as evidence that the Gillard government is unfit for office and that factional interests dominate the party.

In a statement last night Mr Abbott spruiked his party while attacking Labor's internal culture.

"Kevin Rudd has confirmed two things – that the faceless men are running the Labor Party and that the instability at the top of this government is damaging our country," Mr Abbott said. "This government is unworthy to continue in office."

When questioned in Brisbane, Mr Abbott went on to say, "This government is now terminally dysfunctional and this situation has to be resolved as quickly as possible for the benefit of our country."