The federal government is proposing a new whistleblower ombud, as part of ongoing reforms to Australia’s whistleblower-protection framework.
The whistleblower ombud would sit within the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, providing oversight of the Public Interest Disclosure Act.
The appointee would have new dispute resolution functions and the power to investigate reprisals.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said this would be the most significant reform since the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
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“The government’s proposed reforms to Australia’s public sector whistleblower framework demonstrate our ongoing commitment to integrity and transparency,” she said.
“A robust public sector whistleblower framework that is effective and easy to navigate is essential for trust in government.
“Through the establishment of a whistleblower ombudsman, we’re working to ensure disclosures are handled fairly and thoroughly, giving whistleblowers the confidence that their concerns will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.”
Australia’s whistleblower protection regime is contained in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (PID Act).
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