As parliament returned this week, the government was rattled by a GST debate that had run wild, agitating backbenchers and causing the government to pause.

Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker examine the tax debate, the progress of the Australian Building and Construction Commission legislation and the imploding political career of Clive Palmer.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.