Commonwealth Integrity Commission bill whispering now down to Birmingham

Christian Porter wants to avoid a Commonwealth Integrity Commission that resembles the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption.

=Attorney General Christian . Picture: Sean Davey

Christian Porter’s corruption busting commission — which comes two years after it was first floated by Scott Morrison — is unlikely to pass through the parliament unless the government makes concessions it is not willing to make.

Christian Porter has made it clear he wants to avoid a Commonwealth Integrity Commission that resembles the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, widely described by government MPs as a “kangaroo court”.

A replication of ICAC’s wide-reaching powers, public hearings and pursuits of high-profile investigations into politicians, lawyers and business identities will not be entertained by the Coalition.

The Attorney-General’s CIC announcement, which follows the Queensland election and increasing pressure from Labor and crossbenchers for a federal ICAC, aims to neutralise claims of inaction in response to alleged corrupt conduct.

The Australia Post, ASIC and Department of Infrastructure Badgerys Creek land deal scandals ramped up fervour for an anti-corruption commission, with independent MP Helen Haines last week introducing a private member’s bill in parliament for a federal integrity commission.

Senior government figures claim the timing of the $147m announcement, boosting resources to fast-track the CIC, was linked with the COVID-19 pandemic that had drained resources and delayed speedier action on the new body.

But they are treading carefully, and for good reason.

A federal ICAC has been totemic for independents and crossbench parties, inspired by powerful state anti-corruption bodies that have hauled senior Liberal and Labor figures before public hearings.

Under the Porter model, the CIC would have “greater investigatory powers than a royal commission”, compelling people to give sworn evidence at hearings or face two years in prison, and allow CIC investigators to arrest people, execute search warrants, tap phones and use surveillance devices.

Crossbenchers, who will have the final say on the CIC, have blasted the government over what they describe as a “weak model”. They want a commission that can hold public hearings and pursue non-criminal corruption.

The government, which has reached out to Haines, will use the five-month consultation period to secure the three votes it needs in the upper house, setting the first challenge for Senate leader Simon Birmingham.