Greens propose federal corruption watchdog

Federal politicians are being urged to back the creation of a national anti-corruption watchdog with enough teeth to hold them to account.

Greens MP Adam Bandt has introduced a private bill for a new body that would have the power to investigate and prevent misconduct and corruption in all federal departments, agencies, parliamentarians and their staff, as well as the Australian Federal Police and Australian Crimes Commission.

"If the public knew there was someone looking over our shoulders, then they might have a good deal more confidence in us as an institution," Mr Bandt told parliament on Monday.