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GetUp survey shows support high for anti-corruption watchdog

Independent MP Kylea Tink wants to give the proposed commission powers to sack politicians, but that's a step too far for David Pocock. <i>Photo: AAP</i>

Independent MP Kylea Tink wants to give the proposed commission powers to sack politicians, but that's a step too far for David Pocock. Photo: AAP

Almost three-quarters of Liberal-National Coalition voters want a national anti-corruption watchdog, a new survey shows.

The Morrison government has promised to bring to Parliament a bill to set up a Commonwealth Integrity Commission, but has yet to do so and is running out of a time with an election due by May.

Polling released by GetUp and conducted by uCommunications found 85.6 per cent support for a watchdog, with 74.3 per cent of Coalition voters in favour.

A majority (56.3 per cent) of voters said state politicians were held more accountable than their federal counterparts.

Asked about the powers of the watchdog, 77.4 per cent of voters said it should be able to hold public hearings, with 59.4 per cent of Coalition voters agreeing to this proposition.

More than 83 per cent said members of the public should be able to refer cases to the body.

GetUp’s Rafi Alam said the polling showed voters across the party divide were taking notice of recent political scandals and wanted action.

“A national anti-corruption watchdog with teeth is a long overdue way to restore trust in politics,” he said.

Attorney-General Michaelia Cash told a Senate committee last month the laws were still being finalised and their introduction was a decision for cabinet.

But she said it was the government’s intention to introduce the bill this term.

-AAP

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