One Nation senator Brian Burston told parliament he would support the legislation because it was in Australia’s national interest.
"The Australian people are sick and tired of misbehaviour on worksites," he said.
"They want an end to thuggery."
It followed former Howard government minister Ian Macdonald’s warning that industrial disputes at building sites were jeopardising the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
"Union thuggery is putting at risk the Commonwealth Games – that disturbs me greatly," he said.
