Whistleblower

• Ask anyone, from the public servants who tried to speak up against Robodebt, to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, again at the front end of whistleblower protection reforms.
• This is particularly salient as the federal government consults on how to better protect whistleblowers in the public sector, including contractors.
• This is why many years of research support the need for a dedicated Whistleblower Protection Authority to fully enforce our “speak up” laws, irrespective of what improved protections they contain.

1. The agency must actually protect whistleblowers

• Several federal bodies have the task of fighting wrongdoing and ensuring integrity, including the new National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
• Of these weak or missing roles, the most important are powers to independently investigate claims of detriment or vengeful harm to whistleblowers, and to ensure remedies are found.

2. Capture the financial benefits of whistleblowing

• Our research found that even in deserving cases, more than half (56%) of public-interest whistleblowers are suffering serious direct or indirect repercussions.
• This is despite the huge benefits whistleblowers bring to government and taxpayers by uncovering wrongdoing, including financial benefits through penalties imposed, court settlements or money saved.
• A whistleblowing agency needs full resources to support whistleblowers in compensation claims, provide legal assistance, and mediate with agencies to secure remedies.

3. Protect whistleblowers across all sectors

• And even when it comes to revealing public sector wrongdoing, many whistleblowers are located in private companies that deliver government contracts.
• Our research shows great similarities in how reports of wrongdoing are handled between the sectors.

4. Ensure agencies respond properly to whistleblowers

• Our best guess is that perhaps only 10% of actual Commonwealth whistleblowers are being identified as such under the current public interest disclosure regime.
• Upwards of 1,200 public officials who need support and protection every year are not even on the radar.
• A Whistleblower Protection Authority will close these gaps by checking how well agencies are recognising disclosures and being an independent doorway where whistleblowers can go confidentially for guidance and support.

5. An independent, standalone body

• The crucial thing is for whistleblower protection to be recognised as a standalone job.
• It must have an independent statutory commissioner supported by adequate resources and staff, who cannot be diverted onto other jobs.
• It’s time to get the design of this crucial body right.

• He was a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Expert Panel on Whistleblowing (2017-2019).
• He was also a proposed expert witness in public interest defence proceedings brought by David McBride.
• Jane Olsen has previously worked at the NSW Ombudsman and the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission.

• WhistleBlower Security is a global leader in hotline capability and enables incident reporters to trust the integrity of their anonymous reporting process.
• David McNeill, CEO of Case IQ, commented on the acquisition, stating, "We believe that hotline intake is crucial, and WhistleBlower clearly surpasses competitors.
• WhistleBlower Security was founded by Shannon Walker, who led the company to the point of acquisition and will join the Case IQ leadership team as the EVP of Thought Leadership & Strategy.
• The WhistleBlower Security brand will continue operating alongside Case IQ as the companies work together to make WhistleBlower's hotline capabilities available to all customers.

• TAMPA, Fla., July 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoyer Law Group is pleased to announce discounted rates for veterans and military spouses needing assistance with federal employment matters.
• We believe our veterans serve a vital role in our country and are often the very foundation of our local communities.
• For that, we are forever grateful, and, as a small gesture, Hoyer Law Group is proud to introduce a 10% discount for all veterans and military spouses in need of our legal services.
• We're happy to do everything we can to help protect the rights of veterans working for the federal government.

• Ashleigh Barry brings with her rich experience in the public sector, the federal government, and as a long-time investigative journalist.
• Global One Media regularly hosts video interviews to expand financial proficiency and help young investors gain insight into small and mid-cap companies.
• As one of the hosts at Global One Media, Barry will anchor video interviews and podcasts in conversation with current industry leaders in the small and mid-cap sector.
• For all press or media inquiries, please contact Global One Media at [email protected].