Labor leader Bill Shorten accepts the detail of the China free trade agreement can't be changed, but says other law changes can be made to protect Australian workers.
Mr Shorten has written to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull seeking a meeting to discuss a way forward on passing the enacting legislation for the agreement.
"I believe that the China free trade agreement is a good idea," he told ABC radio on Thursday.
"But there is detail in the surrounding legislation, not the actually treaty - I accept that cannot be changed."
Labor's key concern is making sure Australian construction workers get the first chance to work on major projects backed by Chinese investors.
The federal opposition also wants an assurance that skills and standards are maintained and Australian wages won't be undercut.
"We will facilitate passage of this legislation so long as there's a fair dinkum examination of the issues, not just Liberal ministers shouting at the Labor party," Mr Shorten said.
Legislation was introduced to parliament on Wednesday, but no vote will be held until after a treaties committee inquiry report is handed down during the October sittings.
Unions are running a vocal campaign in Western Australia's Canning by-election against the free trade agreement.
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