Labor has offered to hold talks with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on passing the China free trade agreement.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten was unable to convince former prime minister Tony Abbott to negotiate over passing legislation through parliament to enable the agreement.
But he has written to Mr Turnbull requesting urgent talks to pass bills introduced to parliament on Wednesday.
"We believe complementary safeguards for Australian jobs can be formulated around ChAFTA without delaying its timely implementation," the letter said.
"A bipartisan approach will realise the full benefits of ChAFTA by securing job opportunities and market access."
It is understood Mr Turnbull has not yet responded to the letter.
Mr Shorten told reporters on Wednesday the opposition's offer was sincere.
"Mr Turnbull says he wants to do politics differently - he has a good opportunity here to sit down and talk to people who are genuinely concerned," he said.
Trade Minister Andrew Robb said a delay in passing the bill would cost Australian businesses $600 million over the year and a complete failure to pass it would be "disastrous" for the economy.
"The future of Australia will be profoundly influenced by whether or not we enter into this agreement," he told parliament.
Labor had no case in its argument against the agreement.
"There has been no diminution of worker protection - none whatsoever."
Introduction of the legislation comes one month before a reporting deadline for the parliament's treaties committee that has been conducting an inquiry into the agreement.
MPs won't have a chance to discuss the measures until October 12, when the report is due.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the agreement was not only about trade and investment, but boosting social and cultural ties between the two countries.
The next round of the Australia-China high level dialogue will be held in Sydney in November, bringing together senior figures from business, education, media and culture.
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