Double-dissolution on Abbott agenda

A senior Abbott government minister said there were previous discussions about a double-dissolution election based on workplace laws.

Former cabinet minister Eric Abetz said the option of a double-dissolution election was discussed during Tony Abbott's period as prime minister.

Senator Abetz was workplace relations minister under Mr Abbott and brought in a bill to tackle union corruption as one of the first coalition government actions after the 2013 election.

"There have been all sorts of discussions including this possibility (a double-dissolution election) and I don't want to divulge any more than that," Senator Abetz told ABC television on Tuesday.