Labor's transport spokesman Anthony Albanese is urging the government to set up a high speed rail planning authority, attempting to make draft laws setting up the agency a parliamentary priority.

Mr Anthony is attempting to move suspending orders in the lower house, to force the government to debate the legislation on Tuesday.

A vote on the issue will occur on Tuesday afternoon.

The former Labor government had put $54 million towards setting up the authority, which was then cut by the incoming coalition, Mr Albanese said.

An authority is needed to best coordinate state and local government concerns for the east coast rail network, he added.

Prioritising the legislation is unnecessary as the government is waiting for business cases on the proposed network, Special Minister of State Alex Hawke said.

"There is not a need today for us to do anything other than continue to pursue what all governments are doing at the federal and national level - that is invest in business cases, that is prioritise the experts in planning."

Mr Hawke also took a swipe at Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

"One thing we do respect is his (Mr Albanese's) passion for policy and issues," Mr Hawke said.

"It's refreshing, it's a different style of leadership than the leader of the opposition."