The Albanese Government is delivering on our commitment to implement comprehensive reforms to Australia's public sector whistleblowing framework, with public consultation on a second stage of reforms to the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (the PID Act) to commence next week.
These vital consultations will support the Albanese Government to introduce a package of reforms by the end of the year that will improve the accessibility, operation and administration of the PID Act.
The Government's reforms will be designed to clarify and strengthen protections for whistleblowers, simplify the procedures for making and handling public interest disclosures, and strengthen scrutiny and oversight of the system.
In addition, the Government proposes to establish a new Whistleblower Ombudsman within the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, which would be the most significant addition to the federal integrity landscape since the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
The Whistleblower Ombudsman would provide strong oversight of the PID Act to ensure disclosures are being made and responded to appropriately. The Ombudsman would also have new dispute resolution functions and the power to investigate reprisals.
These reforms will build on the significant improvements implemented in 2023 through the first stage of public sector whistleblowing reforms and provide a comprehensive response to the 2016 Review of the PID Act by Mr Philip Moss AM.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"The Government's proposed reforms to Australia's public sector whistleblower framework demonstrate our ongoing commitment to integrity and transparency.
"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."
