Suspend the rules to swap in the Coalition's version of the Fair Work backlog bill — back it or block it?

The Coalition tried to suspend the Senate's normal rules to push its own bill dealing with the Fair Work Commission's backlog of unfair dismissal claims, in place of the government's bill.

Senator Jane Hume argued the government's bill hides an unrelated "Part 9" that would let the Commonwealth favour businesses with union-backed agreements in procurement, contracts and grants — which she called a corruption risk and a "CFMEU tax" opposed by business groups. The Coalition said its bill would pass the Fair Work reforms cleanly and quickly, without that provision. The government moved to shut down debate. The suspension was defeated 25 votes to 32.

🗳 A public mood-check, not a scientific poll. Vote to reveal how the chamber voted.

🗳 be the first to weigh in🏛 17m debated

📄 Senate Hansard, 25 Jun 2026 — Rearrangement

drill in ▸close ▾

The strongest case each way

For · CoalitionJane Hume said the Fair Work Commission has been overwhelmed with unfair dismissal claims for six months and its own president wants the backlog fixed urgently. She argued the Coalition's bill would deliver those reforms today, while stripping out a provision (Part 9) that she said lets the Commonwealth preference union-linked businesses in procurement, contracts and grants — a scheme business groups warn creates corruption risk and extra costs.

Against · Government (Labor)The government did not argue the substance in these speeches. Senator Penny Wong moved to end the debate immediately ("that the question be now put"), and Labor voted the suspension attempt down.