Office of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption
The Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) Ken Fleming QC has today issued whistleblower protection guidelines for public bodies and public officers.
The guidelines set out the obligations of public bodies, which have the primary responsibility for providing protected persons with protection and support.
“A lot of extremely good work is underway in the NT Government in relation to frameworks for the reporting of improper conduct and the protection of whistleblowers,” Mr Fleming said.
“Public bodies are adapting to the existence of the ICAC and I am impressed with the approaches that are being adopted and shared among senior government officials.
“The guidance that we have issued today and its adoption by NT Government leaders will be critical to improving outcomes for whistleblowers in the NT.”
The guidelines have been issued following a review of contemporary research and best practice approaches to whistleblower protection, and targeted consultation with NT Government agencies. They include guidelines for public bodies to put in place:
- a framework for confidentially receiving and managing reports of improper conduct;
- policies and processes governing the body’s whistleblower protection framework;
- cultural change and organisational leadership strategies to support whistleblower policies and procedures;
- training for managers and supervisors;
- risk assessment and management plans for those who report improper conduct;
- support for whistleblowers and other impacted persons; and,
- appropriate responses to suspected reprisal or retaliation.
The guidelines will be reviewed periodically in consultation with the NT Government, and the ICAC may, at any time, audit or review a public body or make recommendations to a public body in relation to whistleblower protection.
