Bill Shorten wants key crossbench senator Nick Xenophon to stick to his guns as the government continues negotiations on company tax cuts.
The Labor leader was critical of the government's decision to keep MPs and senators in Canberra for a rare Friday sitting session, warning the cost of keeping everyone in town would be north of $1 million.
"This mob is bloody hopeless," he told reporters in Canberra as debate raged on in the upper house.
The coalition has been trying to nut out a deal with Senator Xenophon and his other two senators over its company tax cut package.
The South Australian backs a reduction for businesses with a turnover of up to $10 million.
It puts him at odds with fellow crossbenchers Derryn Hinch, Pauline Hanson and David Leyonhjelm who support a reduction up to $50 million.
Asked what his message was to Senator Xenophon, Mr Shorten urged him to stick to his guns because such tax cuts can't be afforded by the government at this time.
"Nick - do not buy a pig in the poke," he said.
"Every other time you've done a deal with the government the government's pulled one over you."
