Government moves against union privilege

The Turnbull government has moved to end what it says is the privileged position of trade unions.

Long-promised legislation introduced to parliament by House leader Christopher Pyne on Wednesday, which gives the courts greater powers to deal with unions, will spark a new fight with Labor.

Mr Pyne says the measure will mean unions face similar legal sanctions to private companies.

Unions seeking to merge will face a public interest test.

The Federal Court will have the power to disqualify union officials and to cancel union registration.

Mr Pyne said there would be no place for unions that showed contempt for the law.