Does the Senate have a plumbing problem — with a back-up of 41 bills blocked by the Coalition last year — or is it the Government responsible for an outpouring of effluence by accusing the Opposition of obstructionism just because it can’t get its own way on every issue?

Certainly, this is one of the most stubborn Senates in history, and having to negotiate with the likes of Nick Xenophon and Steve Fielding on every single divisive issue is an understandable frustration for the party, but as Bernard Keane reported (subscriber only) in yesterday’s Crikey Daily Mail, the ALP itself was the cause of constipation in the upper house on more than one occasion whilst in opposition:

For two years the Government’s PBS reforms are stalled, at substantial cost to the Budget, until Mark Latham belatedly realises he needs to find some savings for his health policy in the lead-up to the election, and decides they should be allowed through the Senate.

Tony Abbott has finally agreed not to block the government’s paid parental plans, but does the Mad Monk and his congregation need to stop taking a dump on every little piece of legislation the government tries to push through? Or is it time for Rudd to shit — and call a double dissolution election — or get off the pot?

Here’s how the pundits are calling it this morning:

The Australian

Editorial: Stop bleating about the Senate and start talking

The Rudd government seems more interested in taking the easy road of blaming an obstructionist Senate than walking the hard yards of negotiation with their opponents.

Sarah Hanson-Young: Labor must negotiate with Liberal and Greens

It may be awkward for the government that their weak proposal doesn’t match up to other available options, but that’s no excuse for not working to achieve the best public policy outcome.

Dennis Shanahan: Labor locks in on negative message

It’s political rhetoric, hypocritical and empty cant, aimed at damaging Tony Abbott and continuing attempts to reinforce negative and hostile images of the Liberal leader.

Sydney Morning Herald

Editorial: Red leather fetishists

Our senators have grown too self-important … They should realise that they belong to a house of review, not a house of opportunistic obstruction.

Jessica Irvine: To stop this hogwash, pull the trigger

… he power to change the situation rests not in Abbott’s hands, but with the government. The only way to end this madness is to have an election in which, hopefully, one party emerges in control of the Senate…

ABC

Fran Kelly: All roads lead to the Senate

KEvin Rudd has to enter the fray … the Government, led by the Prime Minister, needs to get over its frustrations and try harder.

Elsewhere…

Mumble, Peter Brent: Senate obstructionism? Notes on Senate election

… for anything to pass it has to be supported by the Greens and Steve Fielding and Nick Xenophon. Is there much these three would agree on?