Legislation to repeal the carbon tax was removed from the chamber's program earlier on Tuesday, instead leading with debate over a proposal to axe the mining tax.
Tony Abbott’s government had flagged it would fast-track a package of repeal bills through the upper house today, but senators now need to debate the repeal of the mining tax, abolition of the Climate Change Authority and establishment of the Asset Recycling Fund prior to the vote.
The debate has now returned to the upper house, following a motion passed on Tuesday to extend hours of discussion in the Senate.
Greens leader Christine Milne addressed the Senate on the proposed repeal, accusing the government of leaving future generations with a "far less awesome planet".
Senator Milne also quoted Machiavelli, stating that "the innovator makes enemies of all who prosper under the old order".
Palmer United Party Senator Glenn Lazarus also addressed the Senate, voicing his party's support for the repeal and noting the party's "historic amendments".
No vote had been held as of 8pm.
Failed debate
The debate follows last week’s failed push to repeal the carbon tax in the Senate, where Palmer United Party senators sided with Labor and the Greens, as well as Ricky Muir, to vote it down 37-35.
Ahead of the vote, Clive Palmer told reporters that his senators would not vote with the government amid continued debate over the amendments.
Mr Palmer said the government had “pulled a swifty” on his party after they failed to circulate their revised amendment to the repeal legislation.
Reports have since emerged that the Palmer United Party leader reportedly verbally abused a Senate clerk during discussion over the amendment.
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