Labor pulls stunt to embarrass PM

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has used the first sitting day of the parliamentary year to embarrass Malcolm Turnbull over the prime minister's change of tune on coalition policies, including climate change action.

Mr Shorten moved a motion noting several statements Mr Turnbull made before he took the top job in September, including labelling the coalition climate policy as reckless and pushing for a free vote on same-sex marriage.

"Malcolm Turnbull has sold out everything he's ever believed in to get this job," the Labor leader told parliament on Tuesday.

The government used its numbers to shut down debate and continue with scheduled parliamentary business.