Legendary corruption fighter Tony Fitzgerald is challenging federal politicians to prove they truly are "honourable" members.

The former judge has teamed up with the Australian Institute think tank to survey MPs on their ethical values as part of a push to clean up Canberra and build momentum for a federal anti-corruption body.

Corruption fighter Tony Fitzgerald is part of a push to clean up Canberra. Credit:Greg White

The Queensland QC – who presided over the Fitzgerald Inquiry that ultimately led to the resignation of the state premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen – has developed the questionnaire that asks MPs about their attitudes towards accountability, integrity, nepotism, deception and the spending of public money.

The major political parties are controlled by professional, "whatever-it-takes" politicians who are driven by self-interest and ideology, and addicted to vested interest funding, Mr Fitzgerald said.



"Politicians will find it impossible to regain public trust unless they behave like normal, honourable people: treat everyone equally, tell the truth, explain decisions, and act only in the public interest," he said.