Malcolm Turnbull will be aiming for at least two big wins when federal parliament sits for the final week before the winter break.
The major bank levy will be debated in the lower house on Monday before heading to the Senate, where Labor is expected to give it the tick.
However, the government will have a tougher time passing its schools funding plan - dubbed Gonski 2.0 - which is scheduled for Senate debate on Wednesday.
Mr Turnbull best hope lies in securing a deal with the nine Greens senators and either the Nick Xenophon Team or one other crossbencher, to achieve the extra 10 votes needed to pass the bill.
The Greens have offered a way forward, but want a tighter timeframe than 10 years to roll out the extra $18.6 billion in schools funding, guarantees the states won't pull out their funding, and an independent watchdog.
A bill to set up the Medicare Guarantee Fund, which would set aside money for Medicare payments and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, is also before the parliament.
The nation's big media companies are hopeful a deal can be struck on broadcasting reforms.
But it's unclear where the government will get the numbers, given Labor remains opposed to axing the rule which bans companies from controlling more than two out of three print, radio and television outlets in the one market.
Private member's business in the lower house on Monday will focus on two bills to protect penalty rates.
On Tuesday, retiring Liberal senator Chris Back will deliver his valedictory address and newcomer Lucy Gichuhi will give her first speech on Wednesday.
The Senate's economics committee will hear on Monday from submarine maker DCNS and the Defence Department on the government's naval shipbuilding industry plans.
Also on Monday the joint treaties committee will probe amendments to the Singapore-Australia free trade agreement.
Senate inquiry reports are due on the major bank levy, Australian veterans, the Bell Group litigation and the insurance industry.
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