Craig Kelly to push for federal ICAC

Mr Kelly says his proposal would be based upon taking the most effective elements of the various State Independent Commissions.

The Hughes MP says his former colleagues in the Liberal Party have broken an election promise. He said while there is no federal ICAC, corrupt conduct within the federal government has escaped scrutiny.

"At the 2019 Federal election, the Coalition was elected with the clear promise of establishing a Federal Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) during this parliamentary term," he said.

"That was one of the promises I ran under. People elected me on the promise of an ICAC being established.

"However, the Coalition Government has failed to deliver on this most important promise. They've had more than two years to do this. Transparency and scrutiny of Government processes are fundamental to a properly functioning democracy. It keeps people on their toes to make sure everyone is dotting their i's and crossing their t's.

"One is example is the Badgerys Creek property deal. Someone has won the lottery there many times over because someone in the government has not done their job. The net debt is over a trillion dollars. If there is any time in our history when we need to account for every dollar spent, it is now.

"Unfortunately, the Coalition's failure to establish a strong and effective Federal ICAC means that corrupt conduct within the Federal Government may escape proper independent scrutiny. Given recent scandals, I believe that such a body is more important than ever.

Mr Kelly says he has had discussions with other independent members in the Federal Parliament, and all feel a federal ICAC is needed.

Kelly says his bill will differ from the one put forward by Indi MP Helen Haines.

"Hers is more direct. Mine will be more like the South Australian model before the recent watering down of its powers," he said.

"People should be able to answer questions in private and defend themselves initially. You don't want people having their reputation damaged before they've had an opportunity to prove their innocence. Not everything should be in private, just the initial hearings, for example.

"Funding rorts, deals with friendly property developers, and branch stacking involving taxpayer money and resources must be investigated independently."

"I'm determined to ensure that this important Federal anti-corruption body is established urgently to bring much-needed transparency, accountability and to weed out corrupt politicians and bureaucrats as soon as possible."