Senator John Faulkner
07/2009
25 February 2009
I welcome the Report of the House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee into whistleblower protection, and congratulate the Committee on the careful and consultative approach it took with this inquiry.
I’d also like to thank the Committee chair Mr Mark Dreyfus QC MP for delivering such a comprehensive response to Government.
I look forward to examining the recommendations, and responding quickly to the Report.
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet will now examine the Report and provide advice to me on the Committee’s preferred model to protect whistleblowing, also known as public interest disclosure, in the Australian government public sector.
Whistleblowing is the term commonly used to describe the disclosure of corruption or misconduct. Whistleblower protection is about ensuring that there are appropriate processes in place, and protections offered, to facilitate the making of such disclosures through appropriate channels.
The Government is committed to enhancing our mechanisms to allow public interest disclosures. This is consistent with our commitment to improve the openness, transparency and accountability of government and the public service.
I look forward to progressing this issue through Government, developing legislation later this year and introducing legislation in this term of the Parliament.| Media Contact: | Website: |
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| Ashley Hogan - 0417 651 952 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |