HOW SHOULD WHISTLEBLOWERS BE PROTECTED AGAINST RETALIATION?

Although anonymity may be an effective method for dealing with possible reprisals, it can make concerns difficult to investigate. Thus, even whistleblowers have been forced to acknowledge that it may be more constructive to focus on the issue of confidentiality. Whereas Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania all provide for anonymous reporting, a ‘proper authority’ in the ACT is not required to investigate if the person making a public interest disclosure does not identify himself or herself. [71] In South Australia, a recipient of public interest information must not reveal the discloser’s identity without that person’s consent unless it is necessary to ensure that the disclosure is properly investigated.[72] In both Victoria and Tasmania, the Ombudsman or a public body must not disclose particulars in a report which are likely to lead to the identification of either a person who made a protected disclosure or against whom such a disclosure was made[73]. Similarly, NSW and NZ stipulate ...  more