Scott Morrison has been accused of stalling a federal integrity commission to mask a laundry list of scandals.
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Labor launched into the prime minister over delays establishing an anti-corruption watchdog during Question Time on Monday.
The opposition peppered Mr Morrison with questions about the sports rorts affair, Western Sydney Airport land purchase, Administrative Appeals Tribunal appointments and awarding of taxpayer-funded contracts.
He was also quizzed about the Cartier watch controversy at Australia Post, extraordinary expense claims at the corporate watchdog, branch-stacking allegations and various scandals involving Energy Minister Angus Taylor.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese claimed the prime minister treated taxpayers' money as his own.
Mr Albanese unsuccessfully sought to suspend parliament to move a motion condemning Mr Morrison over accountability and integrity issues.
The prime minister stared him down.
"It is a desperate tactic from a very desperate man that's lost the confidence of those who sit behind him," Mr Morrison told parliament.
"He comes in here and just seeks to throw mud as some way of saving himself."
With the political insults flying thick and fast, independent MP Helen Haines has another idea.
Dr Haines wants to introduce a consensus-led version of an integrity commission with support from across the chamber.
She believes it could be the defining moment of the 46th federal parliament.
"This is the right bill for this parliament to debate, this is the right time for this parliament to have this debate," Dr Haines told the lower house.
"This bill would restore the public's trust, confidence and pride in the integrity of their MPs and their democracy.
"This is a bill that could define this 46th parliament and us as parliamentarians."
The Australian Federal Integrity Commission would be able to assess and investigate allegations of serious corruption, including referrals from the public or whistleblowers.
Statutory definitions would protect against frivolous or vexatious claims.
The watchdog would be able to hold public hearings but private hearings could be requested with a strong reason.
A legally-binding code of conduct for federal politicians and their staff would also be introduced.
The Morrison government has been working to set up a federal integrity commission but says progress has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Labor and the crossbench do not accept the excuse.
The issue has flared again after the prime minister demanded Australia Post chief executive Christine Holgate step aside after spending almost $20,000 on luxury watches for senior staff.
He also put all public servants on notice after it emerged the Australian Securities and Investments Commission paid more than $118,000 on personal tax advice for its chairman and $70,000 in rent for another executive.
Labor said the government appeared to be using the Australia Post and ASIC issues as a distraction from bigger examples of misconduct.
The government paid $33 million for a $3 million parcel of land for the Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek.
An investigation is under way into whether any offences were committed in the approval of the purchase.
Australian Associated Press
