The government has accused Labor of trying to guide the nation's largest defence procurement decision by ambushing the Senate with a political stunt.
The opposition blindsided the coalition late on Monday, using a red tape repeal bill to force the federal government to use an open competitive tender process for the construction of Australia's next-generation submarines.
The government lashed out at the move, accusing Labor of orchestrating a blatant political stunt that was intended to disrupt and frustrate its legislative agenda.
"That is not the responsible path for decision making in this country," parliamentary secretary Simon Birmingham told parliament on Tuesday.
Treasurer Joe Hockey earlier said there was insufficient time to have an open tender process.
The government is seriously examining the Japanese Soryu-class submarine as a potential replacement to the existing Collins fleet.
There has also been interest from European defence manufacturers.
Labor wants government-owned shipbuilder ASC to build the new subs in South Australia.
The opposition move, which won the support of all but two crossbenchers, also delayed a vote on government legislation overhauling the university sector.
Independent senator Nick Xenophon is supporting Labor, even though he said it was an "inelegant mechanism" for addressing the matter.
"I know a thing or two about stunts, but I regard this as a very important issue," he told parliament.
Senator Xenophon said the coalition had promised before the election to build 12 new submarines in his home state, but appeared to be walking away from that commitment.
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