11 November 2008

WHISTLEBLOWING :: Whistle while you work

WHISTLEBLOWING

Whistleblower are employees in a company or public administration who, with the welfare of the company or public good in mind, point out unlawful or unethical practices that are harmful to the general public, insisting on rectification.

Whistleblower as an Early Warning
Organisations are dependent on whistleblower to pass the insider information on risks and abuse to the management. Misconduct can be exposed in its early stages, protecting the company or administration from extensive follow-up costs and damage to its image.

Whistleblowers are people who have integrity and morals, people who actually care about their company and work practices. Sadly, once they speak up they often become target by management who do not want to deal with the situation, or you have exposed an issue far more complex involving many including management, and hence the whistleblower may be seen as the enemy or sideline and isolated whilst a cover up ensues.

What to do?
Australia promotes public-interested whistle blowing with differential state based legislation, as there is currently no Federal Law or Act to address whistleblowing.

Learn more about the laws designed to protect whistleblowers.
VIC - Whistleblower Protection Act 2001,  and
Whistleblowers Protection Amendment Bill 2008

If you are thinking about becoming a whistleblower, you might want to get in touch with Whistleblowers Australia (WBA).
The lobby groups aims to promote a society in which it is possible to speak out without reprisal about corruption, dangers to the public and other vital social issues, and to help those who speak out in this way to help themselves.
WBA uses two main approaches to achieve this goal. The first is to encourage self-help and mutual help among whistleblowers and the second is to support campaigns on specific issues.
WBA Position Policy on 'The Design of the Whistleblower Protection Legislation'.

If you are seeking legal advice there are some legal firm specialising in this field, or there may be advocacy help available through your Union or from private organisations.

Judgements on Whistleblowing (Germany)

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