A coalition of crossbenchers is ramping up pressure on the Albanese government to bolster protections for whistleblowers amid a collapse in public trust.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie on Monday introduced the Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill, which aims to carve out new federal whistleblower protection laws and set up an independent agency to enforce them.
Mr Wilkie said the proposed agency would “go some way to helping whistleblowers” who faced a legal minefield when exposing misconduct.
“Whistleblowers make Australia a better place,” Mr Wilkie said.
“They should not be punished for telling the truth or for exposing misconduct or wrongdoing.
“But the government is failing to provide adequate support and protections and instead is fixated on punishing anyone who speaks out and deterring those who might.”
Fellow independent MP Helen Haines said a whistleblower protection authority “remains the missing piece in Australia’s integrity landscape.”
The authority would essentially act as a buffer, referring reports to relevant agencies while protecting those who report misconduct.
It would also look after the wellbeing of whistleblowers, ensuring access to psychological support.
Crossbench senators David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie are pushing for the legislation in the upper house.
“Whistleblowers are heroes but they often get treated like criminals because they have very few protections under Australian law,” Senator Lambie said.
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