Liberal MPs Bridget Archer and John Alexander join calls for ICAC

Two of Scott Morrison’s own backbenchers have sensationally broken ranks to demand one thing before the election.

Scott Morrison has suffered another blow in the dying days of parliament, after two of his own MPs broke ranks to demand a federal integrity commission, which has been labelled a “broken promise”.

Mr Morrison committed to establishing an anti-corruption watchdog at the 2019 election, but with less than a handful of sitting days left this term, his government has now ruled it out.

Liberal MPs Bridget Arthur and John Alexander broke ranks on Thursday, calling on the government to work with the opposition and crossbench to deliver on its promise.

Independent MP Helen Haines led the charge for a federal ICACon Thursday, calling for all sides of parliament to rise above politics and do it for their constituents.

She accused the government of taking the country “for a ride” and said Australia deserves “so much better than this”.

“The Prime Minister has played the public for a patsy. Make no mistake, this was a deliberate decision by the PM to avoid responsibility,” she told the chamber.

“It’s all the nation wants … Our nation deserves so much better than this.”

Greens MP Adam Bandt told reporters he would be prepared for an all-nighter in parliament if it meant getting an integrity commission established.

Independent Helen Haines accused the government of taking Australians for a ride. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Ms Archer and Mr Alexander broke ranks to demand a debate for a federal ICAC.

They did not say whether they would support Ms Haines’ bill but called for the government to help deliver an anti-corruption watchdog with teeth.

Ms Archer said she did not want to disrupt parliament to force a debate, but hoped the government would take action on its own.

“When I stood here last year to support the member for Indi’s efforts to have the bill debated, I said it was the most important thing we come here to do. I maintain that,” Ms Archer said.

“I would urge co-operation and collaboration from all parties on all sides.”

Ms Archer said the issue needed to be above politics.

“If we can’t come together and collaborate, this will never be done,” Ms Archer said.

“I will continue to work with the government, with the opposition, with the crossbench, with anybody who wants to listen.

“We should be promoting positive integrity for everyone that comes to this place.”

Liberal Bridget Archer is urging co-operation. Picture: NCA Newswire/Gary Ramage

Mr Alexander said the government’s standing in the public eye had “taken a bashing” and Australians deserved to trust in their representatives.

“We need to regain the respect of Australians,” he said.

Mr Alexander said he wanted the government to take a page out of Robert Menzies’ book and sit down and work with the opposition and cross bench.

“We need to leave politics aside and work on the issues cooperative. It’s time we stop bashing heads and put our heads together,” he said.

John Alexander said the government needed to rebuild trust. Picture: NCA Newswire/Gary Ramage

Earlier this week, the Attorney-General confirmed the government would not introduce its own proposed integrity commission bill before the election because it did not have the support of the opposition.

Labor and the crossbench have criticised Mr Morrison’s bill for its lack of teeth, and have instead backed Ms Haines’ proposal.

If the chamber did force debate and Mr Alexander and Ms Archer crossed the floor, the government could suffer an embarrassing loss.

But it is unlikely the government will move to debate Ms Haines bill before the election is called.

Mr Bandt said he was prepared to stay in the house until 5am if required to debate the bill.

“I’m happy to stay back to debate an integrity commission. It’s a question of priorities,” he said.

“It is crystal clear that this push has been coming and coming for years, and the dam wall is about to break.

“I’m calling on the government to stop blocking debate, let us have it so we can pass a bill through parliament in the next few days.

“The public would love to see this pass through parliament before the next election.”