Frequently Asked Questions
The Human Rights Law Centre’s Whistleblower Project is unable to receive disclosures containing intelligence information or information with a national security or other protective security classification, due to limitations in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (PID Act).
You must not send us any such information – doing so may be a criminal offence. If, contrary to this notice, you provide us with such information, we will delete immediately it and provide no further assistance to you.
Do you help everyone that comes to you?
We are a community legal centre and have limited resources. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to assist everyone across Australia. We review all reports made to us and consider in every matter if we can make a positive impact with our resources. Where we can’t assist we will seek to provide you with a referral or other resources that may assist.
What happens after I submit my form?
After you have submitted your form, the Rely Portal provides access to a secure message board. Here you may remain in contact with those managing your issue to assist with further details, ask questions or seek support.
We aim to reply to you within 3 weeks to inform you if we can provide you with an initial advice. If we can, we will make an appointment. If we are unable to, we will offer suggestions for alternative assistance open to you.
What kind of information do I need to fill out this form?
Part 1 asks questions about the wrongdoing and disclosures you may have made. This information will help us ascertain if this is a case we can assist with. If it is not, we will try to support you to find help.
Part 2 asks about your current or past connection with the organisation/s you are disclosing information about. Please read more on “Are you a whistleblower” for information about this.
Part 3 asks for information about you, such as your name, age, contact details and general information. We require this information as we are a legal practice and have to keep client details to meet our professional obligations. We also need a method to contact you.
How long will this form take to fill out?
Part 1 contains 5 questions about the wrongdoing.
Part 2 contains 7 questions about the organisation.
Part 3 contains 12 questions about you.
Please note that the number of questions may differ slightly based on your answers. The above is an indication of how long you can expect the form to be. We encourage you to take as much time as you need to fill out the form, as it will vary for everyone.
Please also note that you can log out without losing your answers and resume any time within 7 days. After 7 days, your report will be deleted and you will have to start a new submission.
Why do you require my full name and other personal details?
As a legal practice, we are required to check if we have any conflicts of interest before acting for a client. We use these details to complete conflict checks. Please be assured that your personal information will be stored securely and will not be shared without your consent.
How do you determine who to help?
We are a small community legal centre and unfortunately, we cannot assist everyone on an ongoing basis. We prioritise whistleblowing that helps alleviate the suffering of others (for example, human rights abuses, and wrongdoing that relates to the Human Rights Law Centre’s other impact areas). We have a particular focus on addressing racial and socioeconomic inequality, and we take this into account when considering what kind of assistance we provide. The above is just an indication, and we consider all enquiries to determine whether we can make a positive impact with our resources.
I’m struggling with the online form. Is there another way I can give you this information?
We prefer to receive enquiries through our online form, as it is the most secure way for us to receive information, and it is set up to ensure we receive all of the necessary information from you. However, we understand that the online form may not work for everyone. If you are unable to complete the online form, you can let us know by sending an email to admin@hrlc.org.au or hrlc.wbp@proton.me and we can arrange to provide you with a digital or printed intake form to fill out.
How will the information I provide in the form be used by the Human Rights Law Centre?
Any information you provide to us through the form will be used to inform the advice we give you. This information is stored securely, and is subject to our confidentiality obligations as a legal service.
We do not investigate disclosures of wrongdoing – we only give legal advice to whistleblowers as to what pathways may be available to make a disclosure. We will not do anything with your disclosure on your behalf, without your knowledge or consent.
Can I seek assistance on behalf of someone else?
We cannot provide legal advice to third parties acting on behalf of another person, without the other person present. We require the whistleblower, or person seeking assistance, to request legal advice from us directly.
You are welcome to have a support person to assist you with making an enquiry and sitting in on any calls with us. However, their role is not to actively contribute but to provide you with support you might need in telling your story.
As a legal practice, we are required to check if we have any conflicts of interest before acting for a client. We use these details to complete conflict checks. Please be assured that your personal information will be stored securely and will not be shared without your consent.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Human Rights Law Centre acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia, including the lands of the Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung, Gadigal, Ngunnawal, Cammeraygal, Darug, Wadawurrung, Turrbal and Jagera people where we work from.
We pay our respect to Elders past and present. This land always was, and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
WARNING: This site contains images or names of people who have passed away.