Federal politicians and their staff would need to follow a new code of conduct demanding they act with integrity under a Greens proposal.
An independent watchdog would also hold MPs accountable when they don't live up to the standards under the proposal.
The Greens will introduce a bill to federal parliament's upper house on Thursday creating the code of conduct, which would require politicians to respect others, avoid conflicts of interest and act with integrity.
They would also need to ensure that power and public resources are always used in the public interest.
A new Public Standards Commissioner would act as an independent watchdog, investigating breaches of the code and taking action when politicians and their staff fall short.
Greens democracy spokeswoman Larissa Waters said the legislation is aimed at restoring public trust in democracy which has been eroded by politicians misbehaving.
"Alarming levels of disrespect have been allowed to flourish in the Australian parliament, from appalling behaviour in the chambers that would not be tolerated in any other workplace to outright corruption and selfish opportunism," she said.
The bill also lays out a process to review and ramp up existing standards for lobbying, what jobs politicians can land after parliament, political donations and campaign financing.
Australian Associated Press
