The Albanese Government’s announcement on the next phase of public sector whistleblowing reform is a positive step forward for protecting and supporting whistleblowers.

From Robodebt, to war crimes, and neglect in aged care homes, whistleblowers have exposed wrongdoing and made Australia’s democracy stronger. Yet in recent years, Australia’s weak whistleblower protections have meant that too many Australian whistleblowers have lost their jobs, faced lawsuits or prosecution for speaking up in the public interest.

The Human Rights Law Centre, which operates Australia’s first dedicated legal service for whistleblowers, has been advocating for the establishment of a Whistleblower Protection Authority, to support and empower whistleblowers who courageously speak up.

Kieran Pender, Acting Legal Director at the Human Rights Law Centre said: 

“We welcome the Albanese Government’s progress on public sector whistleblowing reform. Whistleblowers make Australia a better place, but they need strong laws and proper support to ensure they can speak out safely to expose wrongdoing.

“The proposed establishment of a new Whistleblower Ombudsman is a promising step that could make a real difference. We will watch closely for the detail and continue to advocate for a dedicated Whistleblower Protection Authority to oversee public and private sector whistleblowing.

“These reforms are a pivotal opportunity for the Albanese Government to address the challenges too many whistleblowers face, fix our laws, and ensure comprehensive legal protections for whistleblowers.”

Read Making Australia’s Whistleblowing Law Work: Draft design principles for a Whistleblower Protection Authority developed by Transparency International Australia, Human Rights Law Centre and Griffith University’s Centre for Governance & Public Policy.