More voters than not believe the Turnbull government should focus on more important issues than re-establishing the building industry watchdog.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has recalled parliament next week to deal with legislation to reinstate the Australian Building and Construction Commission, and will use the bill to go to an early election if it is not passed.
The latest Essential poll shows 41 per cent of Australians believe there are more important issues for the Turnbull government to deal with, while 34 per cent say the ABCC is important.
However, the poll shows 35 per of voters support the re-establishment of the watchdog, up from 29 per cent shortly after the coalition was elected in 2013.
Despite the question outlining that the proposed ABCC would have the power to override a person's right to silence, only 16 per cent of voters opposed the body.
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Voters who didn't know either way made up 27 per cent.
The coalition maintains the commission is vital to address union militancy in the construction industry.
Mr Turnbull has warned the upper house if it fails to pass the legislation in the three additional sitting weeks, he would dissolve both houses of parliament.
In that situation, voters would go to an election on July 2.
Attorney-General George Brandis said parliament was being brought back to "put the Senate's feet to the fire" and deal with the legislation after months of delay tactics by other parties.
