Whistleblower Hotline Service

Since the whistleblowing laws were updated  in 2019 for the private sector, the focus has been on enhancing the protection of whistleblowers. As awareness grows of this protection, employers should be actively promoting how they will keep whistleblowers anonymous, in order to build employee loyalty, reduce misconduct and manage the legal, reputational and ethical risks that may arise as a result of such conduct.

Who is a whistleblower?

A whistleblower is a person, usually an employee or customer, that reveals information about an activity within an organisation that would be deemed illegal, unlawful, immoral, unsafe or fraudulent. For protection as a whistleblower under the law, they must meet the definition of an 'eligible whistleblower', which includes most people with a connection to a company or organisation who may be in a position to observe or be affected by misconduct and may face reprisals for reporting it. The protections also extend to the spouses and relatives of these people.

A whistleblower can be a current or former employee, officer, supplier, associate, or spouse, relative or dependant of one of these individuals. A whistleblower does not have to identify themselves and can report anonymously. 

An essential component of any business risk prevention strategy should be the implementation of a confidential whistleblower procedure, so those wishing to call out such behaviour have a safe and, if they prefer, anonymous, channel in which to report such activity.

What this means for your business

With new laws in place from 1 January 2020, businesses are required to handle whistleblower information correctly, or face breaches of the Corporations Act 2001. It is also predicted that 2025 will see new focus from regulators around whistleblower procedures and protections employed by organisations.

In addition to having a compliant and comprehensive Whistleblower Policy, an organisation is legally obliged to protect a whistleblower employee. Providing a secure, confidential and if required, anonymous communication channel to take reports or disclosure of this nature is a step towards such protection.

ABLA can help your business with the confidential Whistleblower Hotline Service that provides:

• a sound procedure for identifying and reporting concerns about illegal or improper conduct
• a secure and confidential avenue for employees to speak up, offering:
  • a dedicated phone line that allows for anonymity if preferred
  • secure email address that is protected by ‘legal privilege’.

For a small annual subscription and call fee your business will have the peace of mind knowing your employees can safely, and without fear of persecution, raise any illegal or improper behaviour or conduct within your business. 

Set your business up for success by providing a secure and confidential channel for your employees to report fraudulent or unlawful behaviour. With one email we can establish this connection for you. Simply get in touch using the form on this page and we will provide costings and requirements for quick access.