Class action lawyers and litigation funders can thank maverick Coalition senators, the cross bench and competing political priorities for a reprieve from the Morrison government’s determination to curb their lucrative business model.

Getting the Senate votes for its proposed reform of class actions was always going to be difficult but the government had been confident of its persuasive powers. The bill had passed the Lower House last week after the government secured the backing of independent Zali Steggall, hardly an automatic supporter.