Scott Morrison could lose a major battle in the dying daysxjmtzyw of parliament, after two of his own backbenchers broke ranks to demand a federal integrity commission.
Independent MP Helen Haines led the charge for a federal ICAC in Parliament on Thursday.
She accused the government of taking the country “for a ride”, saying Australia deserves “so much better than this”.
Liberal MPs Bridget Archer and John Alexander broke ranks to speak in favour of Ms Haine’s bill.
“When I stood here last year to support the member for Indi’s efforts to have the bill debated, I said it was the most important thing we come here to do. I maintain that,” Ms Archer said.
“I would urge co-operation and collaboration from all parties on all sides.”
Mr Alexander said the Morrison government’s standing in the public eye had “taken a bashing” and Australians deserved to trust in their representatives.
“We need to regain the respect of Australians,” he said.
It comes after Attorney-General Michaelia Cash confirmed the government would not introduce its own proposed integrity commission bill before the election because it did not have the support of the opposition.
Labor and the crossbench have criticised Mr Morrison’s bill for its lack of teeth, and have instead stood behind Ms Haines’ proposal.
If the chamber agreed to debate Ms Haines’ bill and Mr Alexander and Ms Archer crossed the floor, the government could suffer an embarrassing loss.
After their speeches to parliament, the trio called a joint press conference with the four remaining members of the crossbench, in a public display of their numbers and influence.
