The federal government wants Labor leader Bill Shorten to prove he's on the side of workers by goading him into backing draft laws cracking down on union corruption.
Debate is expected to resume on Tuesday on legislation setting up a watchdog to investigate union corruption and increasing penalties for dodgy union bosses who rip off members' money.
Acting employment minister Christopher Pyne wants to use the opportunity of putting the bill to a vote to compel Mr Shorten to disclose his knowledge of deals between the union he once led and companies to pay union members' fees.
The opposition leader, the former Victorian and national secretary of the Australian Workers Union, is set to give evidence in the unions royal commission on July 8.
Labor workplace spokesman Brendan O'Connor says the royal commission is an abuse of power by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and a waste of taxpayers' money.
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