Double dissolution: Malcolm Turnbull issues early election ultimatum to Senate

AUSTRALIANS will go to the polls on July 2 if the Senate does not pass union corruption laws within four weeks. Here are the dates you need to know.

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AUSTRALIA will go to the polls on July 2 unless the senate passes the Australian Building and Construction Commission and Registered Organisations Bills during a special sitting weeks which will begin on April 18.

In a shock move, Mr Turnbull asked Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove to recall parliament from a seven week recess to give the senate three weeks to reconsider both bills which would clean up the union sector.

Mr Turnbull also confirmed the budget would be brought forward from May 10 to May 3, regardless of whether the legislation is rejected or not.

“The time for playing games is over,” Mr Turnbull said.

Below are the key dates you need to know.

KEY DATES

March 21: Governor-General agrees to recall parliament from recess on April 18.

April 18: Parliament will be back to reconsider the ABCC and Registered Organisations Bill

May 3: Budget will be brought forward one week.

May 11: The final day a double dissolution can be called.

July 2: Election Day, unless the bills are passed.

What it means:

* Parliament will resume on April 18 for three sitting weeks to debate the Australian Building and Construction Commission and Registered Organisations Bill. If the Bills are not passed by the senate an election will be held on July 2. If the crossbench support the bills, Mr Turnbull will not call an early election. 

* The budget will be brought forward from May 10 to May 3, regardless of whether the senate support or block the bills.

PM Malcolm Turnbull addresses the media as he issued an ultimatum to the Senate. Picture: Kym Smith