Whistleblowers are vital to our democracy, by speaking up about human rights abuses, government wrongdoing and corporate misconduct. But due to broken laws and insufficient support, the personal cost is too high for many truth-tellers. When potential whistleblowers stay silent, we all suffer. This is why two years ago we launched the Whistleblower Project – Australia’s first dedicated legal service to protect and empower whistleblowers.

Since launching in August 2023, we have had a big impact: 

• Over 450 people have contacted us for support. We seek to triage and provide information sheets or referral guidance to everyone who contacts us.
• We have helped more than 150 whistleblowers, providing legal advice on their rights in speaking out and exposing wrongdoing.
• We have represented 40 whistleblowers, assisting them in making or escalating their disclosures or vindicating their rights.
• We secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlements for whistleblowers who have suffered retaliation for speaking up.
• We’ve continued our advocacy against the prosecution of whistleblowers and in support of stronger whistleblowing laws and the establishment of a whistleblower protection authority.
• We’ve helped dozens of clients safely and lawfully speak to regulators, the media, MPs and Senators to expose wrongdoing.
• And just today, we’ve released research on the gendered dynamics of whistleblowing, you can read the Women Speaking Up report here.

Thanks to our supporters, the Whistleblower Project’s legal service is free.  

Over the last two years we have helped people who might otherwise have been silenced. Our clients have exposed human rights abuses, corruption and corporate wrongdoing. Their courage has sparked front page headlines, trigged investigations and created real change.

In July, for example, our client Julia broke her 15 year silence and shared her story of sexual abuse in the Australian Defence Force with 60 Minutes. After reporting the wrongdoing and cover up by the ADF, Julia lost her career and experienced complex PTSD. It was a privilege to help Julia speak up.

But we know too many whistleblowers still face enormous personal repercussions. In just a few days’ time, tax office whistleblower Richard Boyle will be sentenced. Military whistleblower David McBride remains in prison. 

Our work doesn’t end here – every week we’re contacted by whistleblowers, and we try to help as many people as we can.

It’s only with your help that we can continue our  important work supporting whistleblowers.