Crossbenchers push for whistleblower protection authority amid public trust collapse

A coalition of crossbenchers is leading a push for a body to protect whistleblowers, saying “existing laws and institutions fail to protect” people who expose wrongdoing.

MPs Andrew Wilkie and Helen Haines and senators David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie announced on Tuesday they would introduce a Bill to bolster whistleblower protections when parliament resumes after the summer break.

The Bill would carve out new federal whistleblower protection laws and set up an independent agency to enforce them.

Mr Wilkie said it was “unconscionable that whistleblowers are still being prosecuted in Australia for doing the right thing and speaking up against wrongdoing”.

“This is why we are giving notice to introduce a Bill to the House of Representatives that will establish a Whistleblower Protection Authority,” he said.

“Whistleblowers make Australia a better place, but the government is failing to provide adequate support and protections and is instead hellbent on punishing anyone who speaks up and deterring those who might.

“A Whistleblower Protection Authority is long overdue and is something the Labor Party promised before the 2019 federal election. The government must end the war against whistleblowers by supporting my Bill. Only then can we ensure whistleblowers are protected, not punished, prosecuted or imprisoned.”

The authority would essentially act as a buffer, referring reports to relevant agencies while protecting them.

It would also look after the wellbeing of whistleblowers, ensuring access to psychological support.

The Bill comes amid a collapse in public trust.