pelican,

Good question. Politicians generally see limits on any limitations of their behaviour, arguing that they might not be able to do their jobs well if someone is looking over their shoulders and anyhow, the parliament is a check. Party politics is a problem though.

Mr Rudd made a promise in 2007. I do not know what came of it or if it was just limited to disclosure of interests.

The Democrats did some good work.

This is a link to 'A Code of Conduct for Parliamentarians?' by
Dr Andrew Brien (Consultant), Politics and Public Administration Group
14 September 1998

http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rp/1998-99/99rp02.htm