Prime Minister
Malcolm Turnbull has recalled Parliament to debate a series of Bills that, if
they fail to pass, will lead him to dissolve both houses of parliament and call
an early election for July 2.

The Senate passed
voting reforms on Friday after a marathon session, clearing the way for Mr
Turnbull to call an early election to end a hostile upper house Senate.

“I make no
apology for interrupting Senators’ seven-week break to bring them back to deal
with this legislation. This is an opportunity for the Senate to do its job of
legislating rather than filibustering,” Mr Turnbull told reporters at the Prime
Minister’s courtyard at Parliament House.

“The go-slows
and obstruction by Labor and the Greens on this key legislation must end. The
Senate will have an additional three sitting weeks to deal with the ABCC
and registered organisations legislation.

“Plenty of time to
pass these important laws. If the Senate fails to pass these laws, I will
advise the Governor-General to dissolve both Houses of Parliament and issue
writs for an election.”

The prime minister
has moved the budget forward by one week to May 3.

Independent and
minor party senators elected at the last election in 2013 have stalled key
aspects of the government’s agenda, including changes that would make higher
education and health care more expensive and limit access to welfare.

The Senate voting
reforms would make it harder for smaller parties to enter parliament through
vote sharing deals.

– with other agencies