PRIME Minister Julia Gillard came under intense fire from Coalition MPs at the Convoy of No Confidence rally after declining an invitation to speak to the protesters.

In attendance, however, was Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott , who was critical of Ms Gillard’s decision not to attend the rally – a decision consistent with similar protest rallies such as last week’s carbon tax rally.

“She’s talking to the political insiders and she should be here with you talking to you because the first responsibility of prime ministers, the first responsibility of politicians, is to stay in touch with the people they represent,” Mr Abbott said.

Ms Gillard, along with other Labor and Greens MPs, were invited to speak at the rally in the interest of keeping the demonstration apolitical, but did not show.

NSW Nationals Senator, Fiona Nash, was outraged by the sentiment and accused the government of being “too gutless” to attend rally and hear voters’ concerns first hand.

“The very fact that hundreds of people travelled from across Australia, from as far north as the Northern Territory, shows they are genuinely concerned about the direction that this hopeless minority government is taking the country,” she said.

“Instead they dismissed the rally and Senator Brown labelled these Australians as whingers.

“The arrogance of Senator Brown to call them a 'moaners brigade' is nothing short of gobsmacking.”

Durack Liberal MP, Barry Haase, said by not showing up, the Prime Minister was “captive to her advisers who are giving advice that doesn’t cut it with real Australians”.

“Julia Gillard has brought disgrace to the position of Prime Minister that was once a respected position,” he said.