The coalition has offered Labor an olive branch to pass legislation bolstering support for emergency service workers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and protections for employees experiencing family or domestic violence.
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The Albanese government is under pressure to split its controversial workplace relations bills and allow less contentious elements to pass parliament.
Employment Minister Tony Burke is pushing to close labour hire loopholes and give more rights to gig workers with new legislation.
Opposition workplace relations spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said she would support splitting the bill.
She accused the government of "holding the bill hostage" by mixing provisions that have widespread support with more complex and controversial changes she said would negatively impact businesses.
"If Mr Burke is saying these provisions are so important and they should pass by the end of the year, well, guess what? Facilitate a way for that to happen," she said.
Independent senator David Pocock also wants the bill split, saying there was no need to hold up important aspects when some of the contentious provisions are not due to come into effect until the middle of 2024.
"I do think this is pragmatic and there's broad support to deal with these and then spend a bit more time on the rest of it," Senator Pocock told ABC radio on Wednesday.
"I want to get this right."
Tasmanian independent Jacqui Lambie accused the minister of "playing games with people's lives" by failing to expeditiously pass provisions that could help first responders and people experiencing domestic violence.
"I just find it absolutely disgusting," she told Sky News.
"It's making me really angry that he has left these ... things in here to basically use as a bargaining chip."
Mr Burke's effort to have the legislation pass in 2023 was frustrated by the Senate, which sent it to a committee due to report in February.
The government and the Greens are hesitant to split the legislation, meaning the coalition will need the crossbench support in the Senate.
A spokesperson for Mr Burke has said the government doesn't support delaying any part of the bill while the Greens referred back to the coalition not supporting a shorter inquiry period.
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Australian Associated Press
