The Abbott government has suffered an embarrassing setback to its bid to fast track repeal of the carbon tax through parliament.

The Senate on Wednesday rejected a government move to force an urgent vote on its legislation.

The loss turned on the vote of Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party senator Ricky Muir who split from his Palmer United Party allies by voting with Labor and the Greens.

He was joined by two other cross benchers Nick Xenophon and John Madigan to tie the vote 36-36.

The government’s intention to rush through its repeal bills prompted outrage from opposition parties.

The Senate already had agreed to the deal with the legislation as a priority, Labor leader in the Senate Penny Wong said.

“You have spat in the face of that offer,” she told parliament.

She claimed a planned press conference by Prime Minister Tony Abbott during prime time television on Thursday was the reason for the government’s urgency motion.

Government Senate leader Eric Abetz reminded Senator Wong Labor had gagged 52 bills while it was in government.

A vote on the repeal bills and non-government amendments may now be days away.

The Senate later rejected a trio of second reading amendments put by the Greens, Labor and independent senator Nick Xenophon.

Senator Xenophon failed to garner enough non-government votes to force the parliament to note rising electricity prices were due to the carbon tax.

The vote resulted in a second tie 37-37, meaning his amendment was rejected.

The Greens won no support for their amendment calling for the Senate to reject the repeal bills and recognise the effects of global warming.