A senior federal minister says big companies and unions should be banned from making political donations.

As corruption inquiries bring down figures from all parts of the political spectrum, Education Minister Christopher Pyne says governments could be cleaned up by banning donations.

It would mean that multi-billion dollar industries would have to find new ways to peddle their influence to the representatives of the population.

Mining companies, trade unions, manufacturers and other major business interests are known to pour large amounts into political parties, sometimes through less-than-transparent avenues,

Mr Pyne said in an interview with the ABC that only individuals should be allowed to make political donations.

“I don’t believe that the trade union movement or corporate Australia should be able to donate to political parties,” he said.

“I think only individuals should be able to donate to political parties... so that they make the decision that with their after-tax income that they feel strongly enough to support a political party whether it is Labor or the Greens or the Liberal Party.”

Corporate donations and the sale of influence have been the major factors in the recent resignation of two New South Wales LNP figures, the state’s Premier and Police Minister having resigned over their corrupt relationships with big business.

Executives from major building firms Buildev and Gazcorp will give evidence on donations to party slush funds in ICAC hearings this week.

Paul Nicolaou, a chief Liberal Party fund-raiser and federal assistant treasurer Arthur Sinodinos will appear this week as well.