Protect PS whistleblowers

Date: 30 August 2008

CPSU has called on the Rudd Government to introduce strong protections for public servants that act in the public interest by exposing corruption, maladministration and illegal activity.

CPSU National Secretary Stephen Jones said at the last election, Australians voted for more transparency and openness in Government.

"The former Government created a climate where cover-ups such as 'Children Overboard' incident and the AWB scandal were able to flourish.

"If the Rudd Government is serious about being open and transparent with Australians it needs to enshrine proper whistle-blower protections in federal law," Mr Jones said.

In a submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs inquiry, CPSU has called for the creation of a Public Interest Ombudsman to investigate public interest disclosures from public servants.

Under the proposed Public Interest Ombudsman, whistle-blowers could disclosure matters concerning illegal activity; corrupt conduct; maladministration, dangers to public health and safety; dangers to the environment; and wastage of taxpayer money without fear of losing their jobs.

''A shift in public-sector culture needs to take place to legitimise whistleblowing...currently in the public service the issue is somewhat 'taboo' and poorly understood by employees and managers alike,'' Mr Jones told The Canberra Times.

The new authority would also have the power to investigate anonymous disclosures while protecting whistle-blowers against dismal or reprisal.

''They say there are no protections for whistleblowers; you blow the whistle you lose your job, or you put your career on the continual back-burner,'' Mr Jones said.

"What's needed now is a new independent authority that will protect government whistle-blowers and the public interest."

For further information

Contact:	Stephen Jones
Union:	CPSU
WWW:	http://www.cpsu.org.au/

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