The federal government has introduced long-awaited reforms to environmental approvals to parliament, with the Coalition and the Greens blocking the way.

Meanwhile, the Senate endured a marathon question time on Thursday as the opposition and cross-bench ganged up on the government over transparency.

• Guests: Phil Coorey (Political Editor at The Australian Financial Review), Karen Middleton (political columnist with The Monthly), Melissa Clarke (Radio National Breakfast political correspondent
• Producer: Jason Whittaker