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.
When a workplace matter involves an element of whistleblowing, it's crucial for HR practitioners to understand what their role is, and not stray from it, an employment lawyer says.
Corporate whistleblowing laws continue to leave some "grey areas" for HR to navigate, despite the clarity afforded by recent court rulings. Watch this HR Daily Premium webcast for a refresher on key risk areas and how to mitigate them.
An employer sacked its new CEO because it believed he was complicit in removing board members from a meeting using "burly, tattooed men", and not because he made whistleblower disclosures, the Federal Court has found.
The Federal Court has provided some important clarification for employers regarding the whistleblower protection regime. This article also contains this week's news in brief.
