In the 2004 federal elections the party strengthened its majority in the lower house and, with its coalition partners, became the first federal government in twenty years to gain an absolute majority in the Senate. This control of both houses permitted their passing of legislation without the need to negotiate with independents or minor parties, exemplified by industrial relations legislation known as WorkChoices, a wide-ranging effort to increase deregulation of industrial laws in Australia.
In the 2004 federal elections the party .strengthened its majority in the lower house and, with its coalition partners became the first federal government in twenty years to gain an absolute majority in the Senate This control of both houses permitted their passing of legislation without the need to negotiate with independents or, minor parties, exemplified by industrial relations legislation known as WorkChoices, a wide-ranging effort to increase deregulation of industrial laws in Australia.