Barnaby Joyce says Scott Morrison never explicitly said he was also resources minister despite using special powers

Former Nationals leader says he did not want to go into bat' on the increased powers out of concern Nationals may lose previously negotiated gains

• Follow our Australia live news blog for the latest updates
• Barnaby Joyce: the most perplexing contradictions in his account of the Morrison ministry scandal
• Get our free news app, morning email briefing and daily news podcast

Barnaby Joyce said Scott Morrison never explicitly told him he had sworn himself in as resources minister despite the former prime minister exercising special powers associated with the role, as prime minister Anthony Albanese said his predecessor's actions could be subject to further inquiries.

In a testy interview, Joyce also told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday that he did not want to go into bat" on the apparent increased powers because he believed the Nationals risked losing previously negotiated gains.