Porter opens door to federal anti-corruption watchdog under crossbench pressure

Attorney-General Christian Porter has opened the door to talks on a federal corruption watchdog, as the minority Morrison government comes under pressure from an expanded and emboldened crossbench.

Independent MP Cathy McGowan is preparing a private member's bill to establish a federal anti-corruption body, backed by fellow crossbenchers Rebekha Sharkie and the incoming member for Wentworth, Kerryn Phelps.

"This is the worst area to engage in policy on the run": Attorney-General Christian Porter.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Queensland crossbencher Bob Katter - whose vote the government may come to rely on in the hung Parliament  - told Fairfax Media on Friday afternoon he was also open to the idea.

"I'm undecided. I'm not saying I'm going to oppose it, I'm not sure. We'll discuss it," he said.

Faced with the new realpolitik of the chamber, Mr Porter said he was already reviewing current anti-corruption arrangements and was willing to discuss "all options" with the crossbench.

"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 with members of the crossbench," Mr Porter told Fairfax Media.

"I would be very pleased to meet with any crossbenchers interested in the issue to discuss their views and the work conducted in this area by the government in considering ways to improve present integrity arrangements.

"It is important that changes in this area improve upon the current system, rather than adding complexity and confusion."

While the Coalition has refrained from saying never-ever to a federal anti-corruption commission, it has refuted the need for one, and has criticised Labor's commitments on the subject as vague.

As recently as Friday morning, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack told the ABC: 'I don't think it's necessary. We've got other things that we're concentrating on at the moment and that's not one of them right at this point in time."

Mr Porter said the Labor's plan for a federal version of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption was "not one of substance" and contained "absolutely no detail" about its jurisdiction, powers or whether it would allow public hearings.

Independent MP Cathy McGowan, left, pictured with Dr Kerryn Phelps, is preparing a private member's bill to establish a federal anti-corruption body.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

"The government is carefully investigating the current anti-corruption arrangements and how they could best be improved," Mr Porter said.

"The experience at the state and territory level shows this is the worst area to engage in policy on the run."

Dr Phelps - who announced her support for a federal ICAC during her campaign for Malcolm Turnbull's former seat - said "any movement in the right direction is welcome".

"I think it’s something that will eventually happen. There hasn’t been a strong move for it until now," she said.

"Let’s not make this a fight between the major parties – let’s get some bipartisan support, talk about an appropriate framework, appropriate safeguards."

Dr Phelps said it was important that such an anti-corruption body could not be "weaponised for political purposes".

Separately, the Greens will try to test the numbers with a motion in the Senate calling for a federal anti-corruption commission. They will seek to use procedural provisions to trigger a debate in the lower house, though even if successful, the motion would not bind the government to action.

Ms McGowan did not return calls, but the Victorian MP has long argued for a corruption watchdog at the federal level.

Polls show voters strongly back the idea, including an Australia Institute survey last year that found 80 per cent of Australians supported or strongly supported a federal corruption-fighting body.