26 Jun 2013: Statement regarding the Public Interest Disclosure Bill 2013

The Commonwealth Ombudsman, Mr Colin Neave, today welcomed the passage of the Public Interest Disclosure Bill 2013 through both houses of parliament.

‘This legislation establishes the first stand-alone whistleblower protection scheme at a federal level’, Mr Neave said, ‘and confers a number of roles and powers on my office to ensure the scheme provides robust protections to public officials who report wrongdoing in the public sector while protecting national intelligence and security.’

The Ombudsman’s role in the scheme will help the legislation meet its objectives. The Ombudsman’s office will have oversight functions and day-to-day involvement in the operation of the scheme. His office will assist both agencies and disclosers interpret, understand and comply with the legislation, while the Ombudsman’s oversight of agency decisions and annual reporting to parliament will provide transparency, and accountability for the operations of the scheme.

‘I believe the scheme set out in this legislation will help to ensure the efficient, effective and ethical delivery of government services and ultimately help reduce risks to the environment and the health and safety of the community,’ Mr Neave said.

‘It will provide indirect benefits to all Australians and contribute to building further confidence in the Australian public sector.’

The Public Interest Disclosure Bill will become law when it receives Royal Assent from the Governor General and will come into operation no later than six months after that date.

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Date of release: 26 June 2013