The Whistleblower Protection Authority will consist of a Whistleblower Protection Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, a Chief Executive Officer and appropriately experienced and trained staff. The Bill also establishes a Whistleblower Protection Advisory Board and Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Whistleblower Protection Authority.
The bill should be supported because establishing a Whistleblower Protection Authority strengthens democratic governance by promoting transparency and accountability within public and private sectors. Whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing misconduct, and this authority will ensure they can do so with adequate protection, thereby enhancing the integrity of institutions [Judgment]. Moreover, by providing comprehensive support and guidance, the authority will help mitigate any discriminatory practices whistleblowers might face, ensuring fair treatment for all individuals making disclosures.
The bill should be opposed because the establishment of a new statutory authority could lead to unnecessary bureaucratic expansion, potentially burdening taxpayers and diverting resources from other critical areas. While the intention is to protect whistleblowers, there is a risk of overreach, where the authority could interfere with private sector operations in ways that might harm property rights and business interests [Judgment]. Additionally, the functions of the authority could be integrated into existing bodies rather than creating a new entity, thus avoiding redundancy in the governmental framework.
2025-02-11
Before Senate
POCOCK, Sen David; LAMBIE, Sen Jacqui
Unspecified
Anti-Corruption, Democratic Institutions, Discrimination / Human Rights