Under Ms McGowan’s proposal, which is expected to have the support of other crossbench MPs including Rebecca Sharkie, the commission would focus on high-level and systemic corruption, leaving less serious matters to existing agencies. “In exercising its functions, the commission is, as far as practicable, to direct its attention to serious corrupt conduct and systemic corrupt conduct,” the draft bill states. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The commission would be led by a chief commissioner able to instigate their own investigations, issue warrants for arrest and property searches and use coercive powers to gather evidence. The chief commissioner, who would serve a five-year term and be a former judge, would be required to present any evidence of criminal offences to federal and state police, as well as Commonwealth and state directors of public prosecutions.

Loading One of the most contentious matters covered by the draft bill is that of ministerial breaches of their code of conduct. The draft bill makes clear breaches of the ministerial code of conduct would be part of the National Integrity Commission's remit. Although the draft bill refers to breaches of ministerial codes of conduct being within the commission's remit, it would not investigate breaches of the so-called "bonking ban" introduced in the wake of the Barnaby Joyce saga unless they directly related to serious corrupt conduct of criminal nature." The draft bill proposes that a code of conduct for parliamentarians not at the ministerial level also be developed. While the focus of the commission would be serious corrupt conduct, it would also have the ability to investigate breaches of ministerial and public service codes of conduct To help politicians avoid falling foul of the rules, a parliamentary standards commissioner - which will be covered by separate legislation - would be established. Parliamentarians will be able to seek advice on parliamentary standards and ethical issues under this proposal.

These issues could include possible code of conduct breaches, potential conflicts of interest and the ethics of receiving certain gifts. Ms McGowan’s plan, steered by experts from Transparency International and with some input with the progressive Australia Institute think tank, also includes a Whistleblower Protection Commissioner to ensure those who report corruption were not victimised. It has left open the possibility of financial rewards for whistleblowers. Oversight of the National Integrity Commission would come from a parliamentary committee. The committee would have the power to reject nominated chief commissioners. An Inspector of the National Integrity Commission would also be established to audit the commission and deal with complaints about abuse of power. Ms McGowan, who is the independent member for the Victorian seat of Indi, has been a vigorous campaigner for a national integrity agency.

Independent MP Cathy McGowan has long campaigned for a national integrity commission. Credit:Andrew Meares A year ago she used Question Time to ask then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull what it would take for him to establish a National Integrity Commission. Mr Turnbull replied: The establishment of a National Integrity Commission would not necessarily better guarantee protection against corruption. A National Integrity Commission, depending on how it was designed, could add some benefits, but it is something that would need to be considered with great care. Over the years I have been very sceptical about some of these commissions." Attorney General Christian Porter has spent months considering how to strengthen Australia’s patchwork integrity regime, which includes the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, Auditor General and Ombudsman. Loading

Officials within all three agencies privately admit the existing regime is failing to work well. The Coalition is annoyed Labor has sought to wedge it by committing to an integrity commission without revealing how it would operate. "As I have said repeatedly, I am not closed-minded as to options for a future integrity framework," Mr Porter said this week. "The government continues to carefully consider the best way to further strengthen and improve the national integrity framework and I am open to discussing all policy options." Many within Labor and the Coalition remain hostile to the prospect of being overseen by a powerful watchdog, having observed the NSW ICAC shred multiple political careers in explosive public hearings.

The NSW ICAC has made several controversial decisions and been accusing of scalp hunting and overstepping its remit. But a loose coalition of former judges and legal heavyweights strongly support a national corruption body, which also has public backing.”