Crossbench senators believe the federal government doesn't want parliament to approve the restoration of a building industry watchdog, because doing so would rob it of a double-dissolution election trigger.
The coalition has done a deal with the Greens to prioritise legislation to change the way Australians vote for the Senate this week, but crossbencher Ricky Muir will attempt to bring on an immediate vote on the Australian Building and Construction Commission when parliament resumes on Tuesday.
Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm doesn't think Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wants the ABCC bill to pass, telling 2GB radio: "I think he wants to fight an election on it".
Senator Muir said he was willing to discuss the ABCC legislation with the government.
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But if it opposes his move to bring on an immediate debate, it would be difficult to make the case for a double-dissolution election.
Senator Leyonhjelm will also try to force the government to choose between its deal with the Greens and the building commission by attempting to bring on debate on the party's same-sex marriage bill.
"This is a marriage of the most unprincipled pair of parties that I've ever dealt with," he said.
"They're dreadful the two of them."
Mr Turnbull has urged crossbench senators to pass the ABCC bill, saying if they did the government wouldn't be talking about a double-dissolution election.
The last date the government can call an election of both houses is May 11, a day after the federal budget is scheduled to be handed down.
