Key crossbench senators are asking for more time to negotiate and consider government legislation restoring a building industry watchdog.
Despite admitting he was not a betting man, South Australian independent Nick Xenophon puts the odds of the Australian Building and Construction Commission bill clearing parliament at 50-50.
Fellow crossbencher Derryn Hinch rates the chances of success higher at 70-30 or 60-40.
Senator Xenophon, who leads a team of three, spent much of Sunday in discussions with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull ahead of parliament's final sitting week of the year.
"There are still a number of hurdles to get over," he told reporters in Canberra on Monday.
The prime minister has reportedly agreed to withhold billions of dollars in government contracts from builders who fail to pay subcontractors on time, offering Senator Xenophon the assurance as a sign of good faith.
They've also discussed using procurement processes to make sure all building materials meet Australian standards.
Mr Turnbull is also considering new commitments to improve the Murray-Darling river system in a last-minute bid to stop Senator Xenophon and his team holding up all legislation until the water dispute in resolved.
Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm has all but reached a deal with the government, saying the coalition now accepts an amendment which removes reverse onus of proof.
He denies his arrangement has anything to do with firearms, pledging to announce later on Monday what won him over.
But he opposes Senator Xenophon's push to get more water out of the Murray-Darling system for SA, telling AAP if the government does that through buybacks he'll wash his hands of it.
Senator Hinch welcomed agreement on the protection of subcontractors, but wants 24 hours to work through the ABCC legislation.
He fears the government is watering-down the crossbench amendments.
"I know I said last week they could get a Christmas present, but I had the fine print in which I actually said as long as they listen to us and negotiate the amendments," he said.
"If they don't, well, bah humbug, here comes Scrooge and then I'd vote it down."
Cities Minister Angus Taylor said an efficient construction sector was needed to keep up with housing demand.
"This matters to every Australian, first-home buyers, anyone who uses schools, hospitals," he told Sky News.
Greens MP Adam Bandt said crossbench senators had the Turnbull government by the "short and curlies" and shouldn't play Santa Claus on industrial relations reforms.
"I fear that One Nation and Nick Xenophon are just going to roll over and let the prime minister tickle their tummy and give him an early Christmas present," he said.
"The government has been naughty, not nice, they deserve a lump of coal in their stocking."
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