The Coalition, Greens, One Nation and other crossbenchers combined to thwart the Albanese government’s bid to strengthen powers to deport non-citizens, embarrassing Labor politically but increasing the risk the High Court could further undermine immigration detention powers.

The government’s hopes of getting legislation rushed through parliament on Wednesday were shot down after rival parties voted to send the bill to a Senate inquiry, with a deadline to report by May 7. After Wednesday, parliament doesn’t sit again until May 14 for the budget session.