FEDERAL politics has become a different ball game thanks to the new make-up of the Senate.

The Federal Government boosted its Senate numbers to 32 at the last election, seven short of a majority.

This means that, if the Coalition opposes a measure, the Government needs the support of five Greens and two independents - Family First's Steve Fielding and newly-elected Nick Xenophon.

It poses a ticklish challenge for the Government.

How does it get common ground between what seem to be polar extremes - an environmentally-focused party and two more conservative politicians?

It's already felt the new reality in the first four weeks of the Senate.

The Government has had to amend its plan to lift the luxury car tax to exempt fuel-efficient cars (a Greens demand) and give concessions to farmers and tourist operators (Fielding).

Changes to the Medicare surcharge threshold and the tax on "alcopops" are also being held up.

This is just a taste of what lies ahead, especially on climate change and water.

Having a Labor government dependent on the Greens will horrify many in the bush, especially irrigation communities.

Already, many sense a "shift to the left" in the Government's emphasis on water buy-backs to revive the Murray Darling Basin.

And there'll no doubt be pressure from the Greens for a tough stand on greenhouse emissions, which would mean big costs for the bush.

But the upside is the need for Xenophon and Fielding to be part of the Government's Senate mix. Fielding has an empathy with families and people on the land and is willing to take a strong stand on issues affecting their welfare.

Xenophon, a former state independent and anti-gambling campaigner, wants water policies that benefit his home state - an obvious concern to Victorian and NSW irrigators - but has shown he is prepared to take a balanced view on things.

The priority for farm leaders, of course, is to lobby the Government.

But they should also take out some Senate "insurance" and make sure Fielding and Xenophon are clear about rural concerns and aspirations.

It's even worth talking to the Greens. A common concern about environment sustainability surely offers some fertile ground for dialogue.