Four former judges, who are now part of think tank the Australia Institute, have backed a push from Indi MP Helen Haines to establish a federal integrity commission, saying "there's no excuse for not getting on with one".
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Speaking from Canberra on Tuesday, Dr Haines announced she would introduce bills in October for a federal integrity commission and Commonwealth Parliamentary standards.
"We shouldn't be in the business of constantly debating scandal. Quite frankly, as a relatively new member of Parliament, it's just a waste of time. I came here to debate public policy, not to debate scandal," she said.
"When we're dealing with a national crisis, indeed a global crisis that the coronavirus pandemic is, then more than ever we need to have clear scrutiny, clear pathways should there be any fears, any evidence that decisions haven't been taken in a way that is decent, honest and right."
Australia Institute executive director Ben Oquist, representing the retired judges, said on Tuesday that the integrity commission was necessary, especially at a time where the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic was "riddled with massive potential conflicts of interest".
"Almost two years since the government announced that they would legislate for a national anti-corruption watchdog, we still don't have one," he said.
"Meanwhile, the pandemic has shown that governments can act fast and can act swiftly.
"But when it comes to putting into place a national integrity commission or a anti-corruption watchdog or a federal ICAC - crickets - at a time when it is needed more than ever."
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State and territories have their own anti-corruption watchdogs, but Mr Oquist said "it's just ridiculous to think corruption ends at the state border".
"Trust in politics has been at all-time lows and we need to do something to help fix politics," he said.
Dr Haines said she has been discussing the proposed integrity bill with fellow MPs, but there had been some concerns such as the fairness of politicians having to appear before public hearings.
"They're legitimate concerns and I've been working with them to address it. I'll be working with judges and other experts to make sure the wording of my bill gives is the reassurance that procedural fairness will be there," she said.
"A fear of public hearings is no reason not to have them."
An Australia Institute survey from June found 75 per cent of people wanted a federal integrity commission.
"I am responding to a very clear call from the community to get on with this and I'm doing it in really good faith. I hope he Parliament can come along with me," Dr Haines said.
