Independent MP Helen Haines says creating a federal integrity commission "with teeth" will be her key demand in negotiating with major parties in the event of a hung parliament.
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The Australia Institute on Wednesday released voter polling showing three quarters of respondents from both sides of politics considered integrity issues more or equally important this election as the 2019 poll.
More than 30 per cent of those surveyed said integrity was more important this election than the previous one.
Ms Haines, who proposed an integrity model for debate in parliament last year, said voters were telling her they believed governments were making decisions for political gain and not public good.
"We've got a problem because some people will in fact give up on democracy if that's what they truly believe is going on," she told a panel discussion on Wednesday.
"If we don't have trust in our democracy then we can't lead the country to where it needs to go."
The Indi MP said in the event of a hung parliament she will demand either party implements an integrity commission "with teeth" to garner her support.
She said her non-negotiables included that the model must be accountable, allow for public hearings, referrals and reporting, include a broad definition of corruption and have capacity for retrospectivity.
"If we're trying to shine a light into dark places, we must have that level of accountability," she said.
"My negotiations, if we were in that hypothetical situation of a hung parliament, would indeed include include the assurance that any model that was put forward by either side incorporated those key principles that I've outlined."
Fellow independent MP Zali Steggall told the panel retrospectivity was crucial if Australia wanted to increase trust in the government.
"It also creates a deterrent for future governments so that they don't always think this is only a problem for the future but their past conduct is never up for review," she said.
"I would argue it's probably why it's something Scott Morrison doesn't like to talk about and certainly doesn't support at this time."
The prime minister has described NSW's ICAC model as a "kangaroo court" and on Tuesday said he did not believe any of the state models should be followed as they were "driven by populism" and the "latest thought bubble".
Anthony Albanese said a powerful, transparent and independent anti-corruption commission would be a priority of a Labor government.
However, Labor plans to put together its own proposal for a commission after seeking advice from the attorney-general's department.
Australian Associated Press
