TOURISM VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT

whistleblowers protection act 2001
3.6 How will my welfare and
protection needs be managed?
It is the responsibility of the PDC to
keep you informed of action taken in
relation to your disclosure, and the time
frames that apply.
The PDC is also responsible for ensuring
you are protected from reprisals and that
the culture of the workplace supports
protected disclosures being made.
All whistleblowers who have made a
protected disclosure will be offered support
by a welfare manager appointed by the
PDC, to examine and attend to their
immediate welfare and protection needs.
People who attempt any reprisal against
anyone for making a disclosure may
face court action and criminal penalties.
Taking reprisals can also be grounds for
a person making a disclosure under the
Act, and can result in an investigation.
If you report that action has been taken
in reprisal for making a disclosure, the
welfare manager will record the details
and advise the PDC. The PDC will
assess the report as a new disclosure
under the Act.
When you make a protected disclosure,
the Act provides you with immunity
from any civil or criminal liability or
any disciplinary action for making that
disclosure.
However, Tourism Victoria acknowledges
that making a disclosure does not shield
whistleblowers from the reasonable
consequences flowing from any
involvement in improper conduct, although,
in some circumstances, an admission
may be a mitigating factor when
considering disciplinary or other action.
Where disciplinary or other action
involving a whistleblower is decided
upon, the PDC will thoroughly
document the process including the
reasons why the action is being taken,
and will advise the whistleblower of the
proposed action and of any mitigating
factors that have been taken into
account.
3.7 What support is given to the
person against whom a disclosure
is made?
Tourism Victoria recognises that
employees against whom disclosures
are made must also be supported
during the handling and investigation
of disclosures. All reasonable steps will
be taken to ensure the confidentiality
of the person who is the subject of
the disclosure during the assessment
and investigation process. Where
investigations do not substantiate
disclosures, the fact of the investigation
and all relevant details will remain
strictly confidential.
The PDC will ensure the person who is
the subject of an investigation is informed
as to the substance of the allegations and
has the opportunity to respond.
68 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS