The accounting body said uncertainty about protections, disclosure scope and reporting channels creates avoidable hurdles for would-be whistleblowers.
CPA Australia has proposed the creation of a dedicated Whistleblower Protection Office, arguing that Australia’s current corporate and tax whistleblowing arrangements are difficult to navigate and may deter people from reporting wrongdoing.
In a submission to the Treasury’s review of tax and corporate whistleblowing, CPA Australia said confusion over who is protected, what can be disclosed and where to report creates unnecessary barriers for potential whistleblowers.
CPA Australia regulations and standards lead Belinda Zohrab said people should be able to speak up “confidently and without fear”.
“Whistleblowers play an important role in identifying corporate and tax misconduct, but the current framework – particularly in the corporate regime – can be difficult for ordinary people to navigate,” Zohrab said.
“A person considering whether to report wrongdoing is likely to be focused on three things: whether they will remain anonymous, whether they will be protected from harm and whether they are reporting to the right authority,” she added.
“People should not need specialist legal knowledge to understand whether they qualify for protection or where they should go to make a disclosure.”
CPA Australia’s proposal would establish an independent office that could provide guidance and support, help individuals assess whether they...
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