Pauline Hanson 'taking Australians for mugs' by resisting government’s unions bill

Resources Minister Matt Canavan says One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is taking voters for mugs by voting against the government's union bill.

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson before the vote. Source: AAP

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is taking Australians for "mugs" and can't be trusted, a leading government minister says.

Resources Minister Matt Canavan said Senator Hanson's shock vote against the government's union-busting bill was a result of voters electing minor parties.

"When you vote for minor parties and independents it's often the Forrest Gump story. You just don't know what you're going to get," Senator Canavan told Sky on Sunday.

Minister for Resources Matt Canavan. Source: AAP

"I think Pauline here is trying to take the Australian people as mugs. The thinking's gone a little bit to her head."

Independent senator Jacqui Lambie is hoping to use the government's fall out with One Nation to her advantage.

She told ABC's Insiders on Sunday the government hadn't yet contacted her about the bill but she was open to talks.

Senator Lambie said Attorney-General Christian Porter thought he had One Nation and the bill locked in.

"So that put us on the sidelines. That is now changed and I'm certainly open for discussion on the bill," she told Insiders.

Senator Lambie said the CFMMEU had some cleaning up to do when it came to its controversial boss John Setka if they didn't want to see her support the bill.

Senator Hanson has said she couldn't vote for the bill in light of the money-laundering scandal engulfing Westpac, calling for more action on banking misconduct.

But Senator Canavan rejected this argument, saying Senator Hanson was using Westpac as a crutch to justify her "amazing backflip".

"I think it's pretty remarkable argument that somehow because this group over here is doing bad things, we should let that group over there continue to do bad things," he said.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Source: AAP

Senator Canavan said One Nation had been on board as the bill made its way through parliament.

"The most important currency you've got in politics is trust and Pauline Hanson has shown over the last week she cant be trusted," he said.

He called on One Nation to come clear on what was said in meetings with Senator Hanson and union leaders.

The government was blindsided by Senator Hanson's vote on Thursday but said it would try again when parliament sits this week.