TPP debate to continue in the upper house

Australia is on the verge of joining a massive trade deal as Trans-Pacific Partnership legislation edges closer to passing parliament.

Senators are set to continue debate on the bill, which is expected to pass on Tuesday with bipartisan support.

Labor is backing the draft laws, despite raising concerns the TPP needs stronger labour market testing and could allow foreign companies to sue the government.

Centre Alliance is trying to amend TPP legislation to remove investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions before the deal comes into effect.

It will also try to mandate labour market testing before foreign workers can be employed in Australia.

Those amendments are set to be defeated, meaning the minor party will try to insert a sunset clause repealing the legislation if bilateral side letters removing ISDS and labour market provisions are not exchanged by the start of 2020.

The Greens and One Nation oppose the 11-nation trade deal, which the government claims will be worth an estimated $15.6 billion in net annual benefits to the national economy by 2030.