The Federal Government says it’s “very concerned” about the merger of the construction, textile and maritime unions.

The new body will have more than 140,000 members and around $300 million in revenue.

The government has tried, but failed, to stop the merger in the past.

Senior Minister Mathias Cormann tells Alan they’ll keep trying to pass legislation to block the move.

“Essentially, the situation is, we don’t have the support in the Senate to pass it.

“The Nick Xenophon team have indicated that they are opposed to it. Labor and the Greens are opposed to it.

“So, on that basis, we haven’t got the numbers to get it through. Now we are very concerned about all of this.”

The Finance Minister says company tax cuts is another issue he’s working hard to get cross-bench support for.

Alan asks if the government has managed to persuade One Nation yet.

“Pauline Hanson and I continue to talk and to give Pauline Hanson her dues, she’s open-minded enough to engage with me positively and constructively.

“Which is more than can be said about the Labor Party. Bill Shorten has refused to engage with this, Pauline Hanson is engaging with us.”

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