The Albanese government has had a defeat with the Greens, coalition and crossbench senators voting down new superannuation fund rules.
The rules would have allowed donations to unions to be hidden, despite a raft of other information being released to improve the transparency of superannuation funds.
A motion moved by independent senator Jacqui Lambie was passed 42 to 21.
Shadow assistant treasurer Stuart Robert said it was important to shed light on the millions of dollars transferred from retirement savings to unions.
"This includes over $3.5 million transferred to the CFMMEU from First Super, United Super and CBUS," he said.
"Credit where credit is due - the super funds were ready and willing to disclose these payments under the coalition's previous Your Super Your Future laws, but it was Labor who chose to pull the curtains closed.
"The question must be asked, why is it in Labor's interests to hide these payments."
