Nationals MP Andrew Gee’s “extraordinary” defection to the crossbench over the party’s decision to oppose an Indigenous Voice to parliament was unnecessary, according to former colleagues who argued he should have remained within the fold and crossed the floor.

Nationals leader David Littleproud labelled the Calare MP’s defection unfortunate and disappointing and said Mr Gee had always been free to make his own decision about the Indigenous Voice and vote accordingly.