The idea that MPs only look after themselves lingers, as pressure builds over closed anti-corruption hearings

‘The government and opposition are in snug agreement that commission hearings will be closed unless there are undefined exceptional circumstances to allow public viewing.’ Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

The widespread voter scepticism about integrity standards in federal politics has been highlighted by debate over the legislation intended to eliminate those suspicions.

One contentious element of that legislation has fed a sentiment that politician regulators are not as tough on themselves as they are on ordinary punters.