Protecting heroes who blow whistle

TASMANIA’S Ombudsman has asked government agencies to improve the way they deal with whistleblowers.

Ombudsman Richard Connock said Tasmania’s rate of public interest disclosures by whistleblowers was low — despite legislation intended to reduce corruption, the misuse of public positions and other forms of improper conduct.

He has issued new guidelines to ensure government agencies meet their obligations.

“Tasmania has historically had a very low number of public interest disclosures in comparison to other states and the amended guidelines have been developed to assist public bodies in the interpretation and implementation of the Act,” he said.

“These amendments have resulted from a world- leading research project ‘ Whistling While They Work 2’ into whistleblowing, led by Griffith University and supported by my office, which highlighted particular weaknesses in Tasmania in assessing and dealing with risks to whistleblowers,” he said. “The amendments provide greater reassurance and protection for those speaking out, which is essential to the purpose and intention of the Act.”

There was just one complaint assessed as a “public interest disclosure” in Tasmania in 2019/ 20, according to the Tasmanian Integrity Commission’s annual report. There were 15 the year before.

There were 54 notifications of misconduct allegations in the same year, up from 50.

Mr Connock noted his office does not have the resources to provide comprehensive training for agencies in their responsibilities to handle whistleblower complaints.

As well as being Ombudsman, he also holds roles including that of Health Complaints Commissioner, Energy Ombudsman, the Tasmanian Custodial Inspector, the Principal Mental Health Official Visitor and the Coordinator of the Prison Official Visitor Scheme and is the de facto Tasmanian Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Mr Connock said that public agencies must conduct risk assessments when assessing a disclosure with the goal of improving how whistleblowers are treated as.

He said he has written to the principal officers of all large Tasmanian public bodies to find out what steps they are taking to comply with their legislative obligations to ensure the promotion of the importance of public interest disclosures.

“I specifically sought information on the steps taken to encourage a proactive reporting culture beyond simply publishing procedures on a website or putting up posters,” he said.

“It is important that Tasmanian public bodies ensure their staff are aware of the Act and supported and protected from reprisals for raising their concerns about improper conduct.”