Tax, trade on parliament agenda

The Turnbull government will seek Labor's support to crack down on tax-dodging multinational firms when the parliament resumes on Monday.

There is also hope of a breakthrough in talks with Labor on passing the China free trade agreement.

As the lower house sits for four days, senators will quiz ministers and senior officials in a week of estimates hearings.

The government has made its tax law changes - introduced by former treasurer Joe Hockey on September 16 - a priority for the sitting week as they are due to take effect on January 1.

The bill imposes stronger penalties for large companies that engage in tax avoidance and profit shifting, and country-by-country reporting to give tax authorities greater visibility of multinationals' tax structures.

The laws will apply to 1000 large multinationals operating in Australia with annual global revenue of $1 billion or more - companies that pose the greatest risk to Australia's tax base.

Before debate resumes on the bill, the lower house is expected to pass cuts to red tape to help overseas students studying in Australia.

Senior government members are also expected to negotiate with Labor on the passing of laws to enable the China free trade agreement.

Labor wants greater protections for Australian workers on projects worth more than $150 million and more thorough skills testing of foreign workers.

Senate estimates hearings will kick off on Monday.

The environment committee will look at the environment department, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and climate-related agencies.

The financial and public administrations committee will examine two parliamentary departments, the Parliamentary Budget Office, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the auditor-general and the Ombudsman.

The Australian Border Force, which began work on July 1, will face its first estimates hearing along with the immigration department and officials from Operation Sovereign Borders.

The rural and regional affairs and transport committee will start its hearings on Monday looking at the infrastructure department and its agencies.