More than 80 per cent of Australians believe there is widespread corruption in federal politics and want a new independent watchdog to stamp it out.
After another fortnight dominated by stories of political travel rorts and entitlement abuses, a new poll suggests the public is fed up.
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Sussan Ley quits
Following days of intense scrutiny over her expense claims, Sussan Ley has resigned as Health Minister with Malcolm Turnbull announcing changes to the MP entitlements system. Courtesy ABC News 24.
The national ReachTEL poll of 2285 people â conducted by phone on Thursday night amid ongoing public anger sparked by an expenses controversy involving Sussan Ley â asked respondents the simple question: "Do you think there is corruption in federal politics?".
A whopping 85.3 per cent said "Yes", with 55.2 per cent saying there was "A lot" and a further 30.1 per cent saying there was "A little".
Just 6.7 per cent said "No".
The poll was commissioned by the Australia Institute, a progressive think tank pushing for a federal anti-corruption body. The Australian Greens and several crossbench MPs have also called for a body to oversee probity and integrity.
Asked if they wanted the establishment of a federal anti-corruption body â similar to those in every state â 82.3 per cent of people polled said they supported the move. Just 6.6 per cent said they would oppose the move, while 11 per cent were undecided.
"The Australian public are sick of the spectacle of politicians seemingly stuck in a cycle of rort, resignation, review, and repeat; the revolving door of minister and lobbyist, and lax political donations disclosure laws," the institute's Richard Denniss said.
![There is widespread corruption in federal politics and an anti-corruption body is needed, according to Australians ...](/web/20170115161855im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/4/m/d/u/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtqva3.png/1484299375195.jpg)
"If a federal anti-corruption watchdog was in place politicians might think twice before charging the taxpayer for a trip to a sports event, a New Years' Eve party or a house hunt. It's not just bad for the taxpayer, it's bad for our democracy."
The institute is releasing the polling alongside an open letter to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urging him to act.
![Robert Richter, QC.](/web/20170115161855im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/p/c/c/x/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtqva3.png/1484299375195.jpg)
The letter is signed by notable Australians such as former WA premier Geoff Gallop, UNSW Dean of Law George Williams, Robert Richter QC, former NSW DPP Nicholas Cowdery and former independent MP Tony Windsor.
"It's time to create an independent anti-corruption watchdog to investigate and expose corruption and serious misconduct at the federal level, including among federal parliamentarians," the letter says.
![Former West Australian premier Geoff Gallop.](/web/20170115161855im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/3/o/z/9/d/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtqva3.png/1484299375195.jpg)
"Ongoing scandals involving federal politicians â whether concerning breaches of travel entitlements, political donations or otherwise â show that the serious wrongdoing uncovered in NSW is unlikely to be limited to the state governments and state politicians. This is a national issue that cannot be ignored any longer."
Research shows that corruption hinders growth, increases the cost of doing business, and makes genuine reform on issues people care about more difficult, they say.
Other signatories include former Victorian Supreme Court judge David Harper, former NSW Speaker Kevin Razoli, ACTU President Ged Kearney, academic Graeme Orr and former senior public servant John Menadue.
Poll respondents were also asked whether they believed federal politicians were more, less or equally likely to engage in corrupt conduct.
Half of those polled believe they are just as likely, 23.1 per cent said more likely and fewer than 12 per cent said less likely.