{"id":141,"date":"2025-09-05T23:43:32","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T23:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whistleblowing.org.au\/?page_id=141"},"modified":"2025-09-05T23:43:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T23:43:32","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/whistleblowing.org.au\/?page_id=141","title":{"rendered":"FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Support for Whistleblowers<\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”5688e741-a71a-4f8a-ad20-bbb2dbc01355″ text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

The nature of the concerns and business environment will determine what supports are availabe and when and how to access those supports.<\/p>\n

This page provides a general guide for consideration by whistleblowers, before during and after a disclosure.\u00a0 These issue mught also be relevant before and acter an investigation.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”What We Do” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#000000″ collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Speaking Up: Support for Whistleblowers<\/span><\/h2>\n

Raising concerns about wrongdoing takes courage. If you are thinking about making a disclosure, there are agencies that can listen, act, and provide protections. This guide also explains where to seek personal support, and what kinds of matters whistleblowing agencies cannot deal with.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Services” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#000000″ locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”7611cf2b-96ce-405a-84b3-9a8398528b27″ header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Some Considerations<\/h3>\n

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Who Can You Report To Externally?<\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8e53a008-9adb-4697-8dce-f568ea353f39″ text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Before going to an external agency, many organisations provide formal internal channels<\/strong> for reporting. Please consider how the internal and external reporting pathway align before instaging an external report.<\/p>\n

Different types of concerns about a buinsess belong with different organisations (including only after the issue has been rasied through internal channels):<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)<\/strong>
    Looks into serious or systemic corruption in the Commonwealth public sector.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Commonwealth Ombudsman<\/strong>
    Provides a safe channel for disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosure (PID) Act and explains how whistleblower protections work.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Government agencies h<\/strong>andle corruption and misconduct.\u00a0 There are generally Ombudsman Offices as well specific oversight bodies, for example:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Commonwealth: NACC<\/li>\n
    • \n

      NSW: ICAC<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      QLD: CCC<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      VIC: IBAC<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Industry Regulators<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • \n

        ASIC<\/strong> \u2013 corporate misconduct and company whistleblowers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        APRA<\/strong> \u2013 financial institutions and superannuation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        ATO<\/strong> \u2013 tax misconduct<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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        Internal Pathways in Your Workplace<\/h4>\n

        [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8e53a008-9adb-4697-8dce-f568ea353f39″ text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

        These can be a safer and faster way to raise concerns, and in some cases you may be required to use them first.<\/p>\n

        Common examples include:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • \n

          Whistleblowing Policy<\/strong>
          Many employers have a whistleblowing framework under the Corporations Act 2001 or Public Interest Disclosure Act. This usually sets out:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • \n

            who you can report to internally<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            confidentiality and protection measures<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            how the matter will be assessed or investigated<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Code of Conduct or Code of Ethics<\/strong>
            These documents set out expected standards of behaviour. If you see conduct that breaches the code, your organisation may have a reporting mechanism tied to it.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Other Policies and Procedures<\/strong>
            Some organisations have additional processes that can apply, such as:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • \n

              Bullying, harassment, or discrimination policies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Workplace health and safety reporting systems<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Grievance or complaint procedures<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              If you are unsure where to start, check your staff intranet, HR portal, or speak confidentially with a trusted manager, HR representative, or union delegate.<\/p>\n

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              What Whistleblowing Agencies Cannot<\/em> Do<\/h4>\n

              [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8e53a008-9adb-4697-8dce-f568ea353f39″ text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

              Sometimes people raise issues that aren\u2019t suitable for whistleblowing schemes. This include workplace disagreements that don\u2019t involve misconduct.<\/span><\/p>\n

              If your concern falls into one of these categories, a legal service may be more appropriate. You can contact in every state or territory:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • \n

                Community Legal Centres<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              • \n

                Legal Aid Commissions<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                You may also might consider seeking independent legal advice.<\/p>\n

                There are some issues that are beyond whistleblowing.\u00a0 Generally these issue require substitution of one set of oversight (government) for another type of oversight (groups \/ self enforcement).\u00a0 These include:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • \n

                  Claims that laws are invalid or don\u2019t apply to you or to a group<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                • \n

                  Theories that courts or agencies lack authority concerning you or a group<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                • \n

                  Matters that courts or tribunals have already decided that apply to you or a group<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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                  Looking After Yourself<\/h4>\n

                  [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8e53a008-9adb-4697-8dce-f568ea353f39″ text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

                  Whistleblowing can be stressful, and it can affect your wellbeing. It\u2019s important to know you don\u2019t have to face this alone. Free and confidential support is available:<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • \n

                    Lifeline<\/strong> \u2013 13 11 14 (24\/7 crisis support)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                  • \n

                    Beyond Blue<\/strong> \u2013 1300 22 4636 (mental health support)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                  • \n

                    Black Dog Institute<\/strong> \u2013 practical mental health resources<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                  • \n

                    Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)<\/strong> \u2013 if your workplace offers them<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Deciding to speak up is a significant step. If you\u2019re unsure where to begin:<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • \n

                      The Commonwealth Ombudsman<\/strong> can explain Commonwealth options<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                    • \n

                      State or territory integrity commissions<\/strong> can guide you locally<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                    • \n

                      A lawyer or community legal centre can help you understand your rights<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                    • \n

                      Your organisation\u2019s internal channels<\/strong> may be the quickest first step<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      You are not alone in this process. Support is available \u2014 both for your disclosure and for your wellbeing.<\/p>\n

                      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                      Support for WhistleblowersThe nature of the concerns and business environment will determine what supports are availabe and when and how to access those supports. This page provides a general guide for consideration by whistleblowers, before during and after a disclosure.\u00a0 These issue mught also be relevant before and acter an investigation.Speaking Up: Support for Whistleblowers […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-141","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/whistleblowing.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/whistleblowing.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/whistleblowing.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whistleblowing.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whistleblowing.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=141"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/whistleblowing.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/141\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":154,"href":"https:\/\/whistleblowing.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/141\/revisions\/154"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/whistleblowing.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}