Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the selection process to recruit the national anti-corruption commissioner will start this week.

Mr Dreyfus said the work will start with the hope of having the commissioner in the role by the middle of next year.

"This will be a merit-based, transparent and robust recruitment process, adhering to the highest standards of integrity and accountability," he said in a statement.

"The government is casting the widest possible net to ensure the commission is led by the most capable and qualified people, consistent with our commitments to restoring transparency and merit to statutory appointments."

The appointment of the commissioner will be dependent on the legislation for the federal integrity watchdog passing parliament, and will need to be approved by a parliamentary committee.

Legislation for the commission was introduced last month and has been referred to a committee to examine the proposed laws.

Advertising is also set to start this week for other statutory roles as part of the commission.

The commission is estimated to cost $262 million over four years, about $90 million more than a previous proposal from the coalition.

The federal body will have the power to investigate MPs, ministers, parliamentary staff and government employees.

However, hearings for the commission will likely be held behind closed doors, with public hearings only set to take place in exceptional circumstances.

Australian Associated Press