Govt re-introduces dodgy union bosses bill

As talk of a double-dissolution election surrounds the Abbott government, one of its ministers has set up another possible trigger to dissolve both houses of parliament.

Cabinet minister Christopher Pyne has reintroduced draft laws cracking down on dodgy union bosses.

The measures are a coalition election commitment that have been rejected twice in different forms by the Senate.

Mr Pyne re-introduced the second version to the lower house on Thursday, saying the government was firmly committed to establishing laws that ensured union officers would never again be able to rip off their members.

He criticised Labor senators for blocking the bill earlier in March, describing their concerns as "bizarre".

The legislation increases penalties and introduces criminal offences.

However, the bill can't be considered by the Senate until at least June 19.