Parliament will be asked to back a new system for MP entitlements that includes monthly reporting and an independent umpire.
Independent senator Nick Xenophon has drafted a private member's bill that requires the system to have more transparency.
He told reporters at Parliament House in Canberra the bill would give power back to the people to complain about the travel expenses of individual MPs.
Senator Xenophon supports politicians being allowed to bring their families to Canberra for the opening of parliament or other key events, provided they fly economy class.
"There ought to be stricter rules for family travel," he said, adding they should be pre-approved.
Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm rates the expense claim system as one of the most difficult things he's had to deal with as a new senator.
While the rules are vague and it is difficult to get advice, he is wary of making the rules too proscriptive.
"It really is a cultural change ... can you justify spending other people's money?" he said.
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