Coalition officially plunges into minority government

Kerryn Phelps has been sworn in as the member for Wentworth, formally plunging the Coalition into minority government.

The Independent entered the House of Representatives chamber to applause, when Parliament resumed this morning for the last two sitting weeks of the year.

Ms Phelps stunned the Liberals when she achieved a 17 percent swing at the by-election forced by the resignation of Malcolm Turnbull from the Liberal jewel in the crown.

Her swearing in brought into sharp focus the difficulties the Prime Minister and his government now face, in minority.

The Coalition will rely on the expanded crossbench to pass legislation, and fight off procedural motions in the House.

It could come as early as today, with a motion to set up a federal anti-corruption watchdog, backed by Labor, the Greens, and independents.

The move has already been passed by the senate.