Thirty-four former judges have added to pressure on the federal government to establish an anti-corruption commission, through an open letter to Scott Morrison.
Dozens of former judges have heaped further pressure on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to establish a federal anti-corruption watchdog.
In an open letter, 34 former judges have told Mr Morrison a National Integrity Commission is needed to restore trust among Australians in the nation’s democracy.
Confidence in government and public institutions is at an “all time low”, according to the group, largely because of the suspicion that corruption permeates many government decisions and actions.
“Governments ignore at their peril demands by citizens to combat corruption with vigour,” they say in the letter published on Sunday.
“We urge you to immediately establish a strong, effective and independent National Integrity Commission.”
The letter comes after the opposition this week goaded Mr Morrison to declare his position on creating the authority, which Labor has vowed since January it will do if it wins the next election.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also said on Monday he wants to start the process immediately, and will seek support from the crossbench on the issue when parliament resumes this week.
Mr Shorten has also welcomed the former judges’ letter on Sunday.
“There is no reason to end 2018 without a bi-partisan commitment to a national anti-corruption body,” he said.
Attorney-General Christian Porter responded to Labor’s push this week by saying it had failed to shed any light on how it wants the watchdog to work.
He said the coalition is continuing to weigh up its options on strengthening the national integrity framework and is open to all policy options.
“As I have said repeatedly, I am not closed-minded as to options for a future integrity framework,” Mr Porter said.
