Lambie challenges Labor to back minors

Labor should commit to preferencing minor parties over the Greens, says independent senator Jacqui Lambie.

A Turnbull government draft bill that would allow voters to cast preferences "above the line" on Senate ballot papers - effectively killing off the chances of minor party candidates winning seats - is expected to pass parliament with the support of the Greens and despite Labor opposing it.

Senator Lambie said Labor should take a "principled stand" and preference parties such as her Jacqui Lambie Network ahead of the Greens at the next election.