Federal finances and the NSW election will dominate the final week of parliament before the May budget.
NSW voters go to the polls on Saturday, with Liberal Premier Mike Baird expected to be returned with a reduced majority.
Federal factors such as Tony Abbott's unpopularity and the privatisation of the electricity sector - encouraged by the government's "asset recycling" plan - are expected to deliver a swing to Labor.
Having held a day of condolence motions for the late prime minister Malcolm Fraser on Monday, question time will be a chance for Labor to pepper government ministers with accusations of pushing up the cost of living for NSW voters.
The government will promote its plans for boosting the NSW economy and creating jobs.
As the party rooms meet on Tuesday, Treasurer Joe Hockey will outline to coalition MPs the government's broad direction ahead of the May 12 budget.
Many coalition members have expressed concern privately that the government's budget narrative has gone off the rails in the wake of the prime minister talking down the budget "emergency".
There may also be discussion in the Liberal party room about allowing a free vote on a gay marriage bill being proposed by Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm on Thursday.
Veteran Labor senator Kate Lundy will deliver her valedictory speech on Tuesday afternoon shortly before handing her resignation letter to the Senate president.
Former ACT chief minister Katy Gallagher could be sworn in to replace Senator Lundy as early as Thursday.
The government expects the Senate will pass metadata laws, compelling telecommunications companies to keep two years of customer call and email information.
The contentious legislation was passed by the lower house last week after the government agreed to Labor amendments requiring spy agencies and police to obtain a warrant to access the metadata of journalists to identify their sources.
However, crossbench senators are seeking better protections.
Also in the Senate is a government bill to reintroduce the Howard-era industrial watchdog, the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
The coalition says the commission is needed to crack down on alleged union thuggery in the building industry.
But it's unlikely to pass the upper house, with Labor, the Greens and some crossbenchers opposed to the ABCC's resurrection.
Further laws to finalise the office of a new Australian Border Force Commissioner will be debated in the lower house.
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