Tax cuts a handout for big business: Burke

Labor has failed to force Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to admit his proposed company tax cuts are putting big business ahead of ordinary Australians.

Manager of opposition business Tony Burke put forward the motion in parliament on Wednesday to ask that Mr Turnbull "admit his $65 billion handout to big business is another example of this government choosing the top end of town over ordinary Australians".

The stunt, during a busy morning for the government trying to introduce 32 pieces of new legislation, was quickly voted down 67 to 72.

The company tax cuts, which the government had hoped to get through the Senate this week, have been shelved until parliament sits again in May.