Reforms to whistleblower laws, including a Whistleblower Protection Authority, appear in The Australia Institute’s Democracy Agenda for the 48th Parliament. This analysis reproduces and updates our previous research on how to fix whistleblower laws and reduce corruption.

A Whistleblower Protection Authority would help implement whistleblowing laws by:

• Being a source of practical guidance and support for whistleblowers;
• Assisting agencies with coordination and management of disclosures;
• Promoting best-practice whistleblowing policies and procedures;
• Investigating alleged detrimental action and recommending remedies;
• Supporting enforcement litigation in strategic cases where whistleblowers deserve remedies; and
• Administering a rewards scheme for whistleblowers.

Polling conducted by The Australia Institute in collaboration with the Human Rights Law Centre and Whistleblower Justice Fund shows that 84% of Australians support the introduction of a Whistleblower Protection Authority, and only 5% oppose.

As recognised by whistleblowing experts, the Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill 2025 (No.2) would represent a step forward for whistleblower protections, and the integrity arm of government more broadly.

Australia is advancing landmark reform to protect individuals who expose wrongdoing. The proposed Whistleblower Protection Authority (WPA), introduced under the Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill 2025 (No. 2), is envisaged as an independent statutory body led by a Whistleblower Protection Commissioner, supported by two Deputy Commissioners, and overseen by a Parliamentary Joint Committee and Advisory Council 

Key Functions and Powers

The WPA is designed to:

• Receive and facilitate investigation of whistleblower disclosures.

• Provide advice, assistance, and support to whistleblowers throughout the disclosure process.

• Investigate allegations of retaliation or mistreatment.

• Undertake enforcement action, including court proceedings or enforceable undertakings.

• Promote education, policy, research, and broader systemic improvements across both public and private sectors

Despite existing frameworks like the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 for public servants and enhancements under the Corporations Act 2019 for the private sector, protections remain fragmented and inconsistent. A WPA fills these gaps by ensuring protections work in practice not just on paper.

Independent reviews and advocacy groups, including the Human Rights Law Centre, Transparency International Australia, and The Australia Institute, strongly back the WPA. Polls show 84 % of Australians support its establishment

Virtually all organizations operating under federal jurisdiction should implement robust WBS, but key sectors include:

1. Government departments (federal and state) – to protect public servants.
2. Large private corporations (especially public companies, financial institutions, super funds) – due to legal requirements under the Corporations Act.
3. Healthcare, disability, and aged care providers – given high risk of abuse or wrongdoing.
4. Critical infrastructure and regulated industries – e.g., energy, transport, defense contractors.
5. NGOs and not-for-profits handling sensitive programs or public funds – to maintain accountability and trust.
6. Universities and research institutions – to address misconduct in research, grants, or administration.

Each of these sectors handles sensitive operations where whistleblowers may expose corruption, safety risks, financial abuse, or breaches of ethics.

Firms such as Confidential Reporting (www.whistleblowingservice.com.au) offers external whistleblower services—ideal partners for organizations seeking safe, independent channels. Here’s how WPA-supportive recommendations align with such reputable services:

• Anonymity & Trust: Confidential external services assure employees their reports are secure and handled professionally, which internal systems sometimes fail to guarantee.

• Expert Case Handling: These services often have trained staff with domain-specific knowledge to triage, escalate, or manage cases appropriately.

• Legal Risk Mitigation: Using reputable providers decreases organizational exposure by ensuring best practice compliance and reducing temptation to suppress disclosures.

• Positive Cultural Impact: Demonstrates genuine commitment to accountability and ethics across the workforce, enhancing reputation and morale.

Australia is close to establishing the Whistleblower Protection Authority (WPA) a long-awaited, independent statutory body tasked with safeguarding those who speak out in public interest. Driven by bipartisan crossbench champions and supported by legal experts and advocacy groups, the WPA aims to empower whistleblowers by providing advice, support, investigation, enforcement, and broader integrity oversight across both public and private sectors.

Despite supportive frameworks like the PID Act 2013 and Corporations Act reforms, individuals who come forward often suffer retaliation or bureaucratic neglect. Establishing the WPA will ensure protections are real, effective, and consistent supported by 84 % of Australians who already back the idea

Confidential Reporting exemplifies best practice in WBS by delivering:

• Secure, anonymous reporting portals.

• Expert case management and follow-up.

• Comprehensive staff training.

• Insightful trend analysis for continuous improvement.

By partnering with reputable providers now, organizations demonstrate genuine accountability and position themselves for seamless compliance when the WPA becomes operational.