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Review to safeguard whistle-blowers: Submissions open

Former Supreme Court judge Alan Wilson KC has been appointed to head-up a review of Queensland whistle-blower protection laws.

Mr Wilson – an eminent lawyer for more than 40 years – yesterday published an issues paper and called for submissions on possible changes to the state’s Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (PID Act).

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman late yesterday said the review had been recommended by Professor Peter Coaldrake AO in his review of the Queensland public sector.

“We welcome the call for submissions, which are valuable resources for enhancing and improving the Public Interest Disclosure Act and Queensland’s integrity framework,” Ms Fentiman said.

The PID Act facilitates the reporting of wrongdoing in the public sector when it is in the public interest to do so, while also providing protection for those who make reports.

Ms Fentiman said the review would examine whether protections for whistle-blowers were appropriate and effective, and the role of the Queensland Ombudsman and other relevant entities.

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The Office of the Queensland Ombudsman is the oversight agency for the PID Act.

Under the terms of reference, Mr Wilson’s review will consider matters such as:

  • whether the objects of the PID Act are valid and are being achieved
  • the roles of the Queensland Ombudsman and other integrity bodies for public interest disclosures
  • education and training about the PID Act in the public sector
  • reviews and developments in other jurisdictions which represent good practice
  • whether the PID Act is consistent with the Human Rights Act 2019.

Mr Wilson’s review is expected to be completed by Sunday 30 April.

Submissions are open until 5pm on Friday 24 February.

Access the terms of reference.

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