Call for graft watchdog

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 yesterday.

“We urge you to immediately establish a strong, effective and independent National Integrity Commission.”

The letter comes after the Opposition last 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 he wanted to start the process immediately, and would seek support from the crossbench on the issue when Parliament resumes this week.

“There is no reason to end 2018 without a bi-partisan commitment to a national anti-corruption body,” Mr Shorten said yesterday.