The federal corruption watchdog will be given power to investigate anyone who tries to induce public officials to engage in dishonest conduct, widening its scope to capture “third parties” in the pivotal reform to improve integrity in government.

The new commission will also be able to probe schemes that allow federal ministers to hand out public funds in discretionary grants, subjecting the “pork barrelling” programs to greater scrutiny when the actions raise concerns about serious or systemic corruption.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, who has driven the legislation, told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings it will be up to the commission to decide what matters it investigates but that "any person" could be probed by the new corruption watchdog.

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