The federal government could have a tougher time getting laws through the Senate if it changes the voting system.
A bipartisan parliamentary committee examining the 2013 federal election recommends voters be allowed to mark preferences above the line on Senate ballot papers, and not have to number all the boxes below the line.
The coalition would need the support of Labor, the Greens or six crossbench senators for the change.
Labor members are still working through the effect of possible changes on the party and the upper house as a whole.
But crossbench senators on Wednesday made it clear they would not support change and it would alter their attitude to government bills.
Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm said he would be less likely to vote for government legislation if the proposed Senate electoral system changes went ahead.
He would continue to vote on bills based on the principles of his party. But he would routinely vote down bills where there was no specific party policy position.
"That would be quite a significant thing ... I definitely am leaving that option open," Senator Leyonhjelm told the National Press Club on Wednesday.
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie warned it would not be "smart politics" for the government to go ahead with the changes.
"Give the average Australian out there a fair go ... leave it as it is," she said.
Independent senator Nick Xenophon said he understood Labor intended not to support the changes and the deal would have to be done with the Greens.
"I think there will be a backlash in the electorate," he said.
Senator Leyonhjelm said wiping out minor parties would mean the Senate would be "permanently deadlocked" between the major parties, delivering a poor outcome for all Australians.
Asked about specific laws, Senator Lambie said she would not be supporting government legislation to restore the Australian Building and Construction Commission without first reading a confidential interim report from the royal commission into union corruption.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott had yet to respond to her request to read the report, which has been kept secret in order to protect witnesses and their families.
Senator Leyonhjelm said the ABCC laws had some "nasty elements" such as the reversal of the onus of proof and significant coercive powers and it was likely the government would agree to his idea of a sunset clause.
"It is intended to correct a very nasty situation with a very nasty union that's engaged in thuggish behaviour," he said.
Senator Xenophon said he supported the ABCC's coercive powers but was concerned about "overreach".
"There are some difficulties in that sector that need to be addressed," Senator Xenophon said.
Senator Leyonhjelm also revealed that if he were re-elected for a second term in NSW he would stand down mid-term for another LDP member to replace him.
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