Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus says public hearings will be a key part of the government's proposed national anti-corruption commission, amid concerns the body may not be as tough as earlier thought.
As the government prepares to introduce the legislation for the commission to parliament this week, concerns have been raised public hearings would not feature as part of the integrity body, in exchange for the coalition supporting the bill.
Mr Dreyfus told parliament public hearings would be critical for the integrity body to be successful.
"Public hearings must be available to this commission, because that is something that the experience of the eight existing state and territory commissions has shown us," he said on Monday.
"In order for an anti-corruption commission such as the one we are proposing to be fully effective (it must have) the possibility of public hearings."
Key crossbench MPs have promised not to impede the passage of the legislation, but warned they would not rubber stamp the bill.
In a joint letter, the Greens and independent MPs and senators say they want a commission to be set up properly after "good faith" consultations with the government in the preceding months.
"We won't delay the process for political games or point scoring, but won't be rushed to vote in favour of a bill that doesn't make the grade,' the letter signed by 15 parliamentarians reads.
"We are united in a will for a better standard of politics, and an integrity watchdog that will be respected by the public and improve trust in our democracy."
Independent MP Helen Haines said she was satisfied from discussions with the government about the bill.
However, she also wanted whistleblower protections included.
"The attorney-general is on public record saying whistleblower protection will not be built into this legislation but he is very clear he will undertake the necessary reforms to the public interest disclosure act," she told the ABC on Monday.
"What I want to see under this principle of broad jurisdiction is that any person who seeks to adversely influence impartial exercise of government should be under the jurisdiction of this commission."
Mr Dreyfus sought to play down concerns the legislation would be weakened to ensure support across the parliament.
"The Australian people believe in integrity. The Australian people voted for a government which will deliver a powerful transparent and independent national anti-corruption commission," he said.
It's expected the integrity bill will be introduced to parliament on Tuesday, following a Labor caucus meeting.
Mr Dreyfus said the government would not seek to instruct the commission what would be able to be investigated.
"In relation to pork barrelling, decisions about the allocation of public funds should be made of course in the public interest," he said.
He also appeared to indicate business people could come under its ambit.
"The commission will be able to investigate a corruption issue that could involve serious or systemic conduct by any person that could adversely affect the honesty or impartiality of a public official's conduct."
The government hopes to have the legislation passed this year but it could be pushed into next year depending on the length of an inquiry into it.
The opposition says while it's supportive of a federal anti-corruption commission, it won't be tied to Labor's model.
Opposition finance spokeswoman Jane Hume warned of "dire consequences" if the wrong approach is taken.
She questioned whether there would be procedural fairness and natural justice.
