Australia's whistleblower protection laws are "broken", and women who speak up are disproportionately exposed to reprisal risks, according to a new report.
A "cultural shift" is required to improve many employers' speak-up programs, ensuring that all complaints, reports and disclosures are treated with equal respect and dignity, experts say.
The first penalty issued under whistleblower laws reinforces the importance of prioritising compliance and fostering a culture that supports reporting, according to a workplace lawyer.
The Fair Work Commission has rejected arguments that it wasn't appropriate or fair to make 'same job, same pay' orders for more than 2,000 workers, in a major ruling on the provisions that will add about $66 million to the affected employers' wages bills.
The 'same job, same pay' test case ruling handed down by a full bench of the Fair Work Commission suggests the provisions extend beyond their intended scope, according to industry leaders.
