National Party leaders are holding crisis talks on what to do about the crisis caused by Barnaby Joyce's affair with a former staffer who is now heavily pregnant with his child.

Executives from the federal party, Queensland, NSW, Victoria, and Western Australia are taking part in a conference call late on Monday.  The Australian Financial Review reports there is a growing view that Mr. Joyce would be better off on the backbench, if he is to remain in government at all.  They would prefer to resolve this matter before Parliament resumes next week, and the Nats hold their party room meeting on Monday. 

MP Michael McCormack refused to endorse Mr. Joyce and would not rule out a move against him if Joyce doesn't move aside by next week.  Joyce is on leave for the week, pending his decision.

Meanwhile, the Nats' other problem child is refusing to apologize for a social media photo that appeared to threaten "greenie punks".  MP George Christensen is seen firing a handgun in the photo.  PM Malcolm Turnbull described the upload as "very inappropriate", and said police were still reviewing it.

Greens leader Richard Di Natale said he was disgusted:  "The concern here is that George Christensen has given license to people to behave in a way that is violent towards other people who may have a different view," Di Natale said.