Malcolm Turnbull is turning the spotlight back to workplace relations as he pressures Labor to support failed bills which helped trigger the July 2 double-dissolution election.
The prime minister has zeroed in on the opposition and Greens' defence of the union movement, claiming the CFMEU wields clout within the ALP because it makes donations.
"So in the face of Labor and Green acquiescence and obstruction, the outcome of this legislation rests with independent and minor party senators," he writes in The Australian on Monday.
Mr Turnbull is appealing to the crossbench after he received support last week for laws to limit union power over CFA volunteers in Victoria.
"These senators will have the opportunity to stand up to another bully and fix another problem," he said.
MPs on Wednesday resume debate on legislation imposing tougher governance rules on trade unions and officials.
Labor proposes the corporate watchdog be empowered to keep an eye on unions and registered organisations, instead of creating a new separate body.
"If we're going to have the same approach apply to companies as registered organisations, employer bodies and unions then why not have ASIC be the regulator?" opposition industrial relations spokesman Brendan O'Connor told ABC radio.
He indicated Labor would try to convince crossbenchers of its view.
Treasurer Scott Morrison noted 113 CFMEU officials were before the courts, claiming working days lost are costing the country an extraordinary amount.
"This is why it costs more to build a hospital ... a road, a bridge - right across the economy it's costing taxpayers more because of the lawlessness of the building and construction industry," he told Ray Hadley on 2GB radio.
Mr Morrison said the coalition was also putting maximum pressure on the parliament to pass legislation restoring the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
Cross bencher Nick Xenophon agrees fundamental reforms are needed but is pushing for several amendments, including ensuring the use of Australian Standards building materials.
"There is a need to have an independent cop on the beat, so to speak, on building sites," he said.
"The government has expressed willingness to talk and talks lead to negotiations and negotiations could lead to outcomes, so let's wait and see."
Like some of his colleagues, the treasurer also drew on Labor's latest pick to replace retiring senator Stephen Conroy.
Former Health Services Union official Kimberley Kitching has been endorsed to fill the vacancy.
"Bill Shorten's captain's pick for the Senate is an individual who was recommended by the royal commission to have charges brought against them," Mr Morrison said.
"If you don't think that the unions are running the Labor Party - exhibit A."
Labor frontbencher Joel Fitzgibbon said it was "demonstrable" the government was working so hard to block Ms Kitching's path to the Senate.
His colleague Andrew Leigh said her appointment meant Labor had more women in the upper house than the coalition did in the House of Representatives.
