Major new Whistleblower Protection legislation came into effect nationally from 1 July 2019. This legislation imposes significant obligations on almost all Australian businesses, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment if the obligations are breached.
To assist employers in navigating and complying with their increased obligations under the legislation, ER Strategies offers a unique new Whistleblower Service to support and manage your concerns about the new legislation.
Our service includes a Whistleblower Hotline managed by ER Strategies. All calls that come through the hotline are handled by our senior and experienced staff, who have been trained in the confidentiality requirements of the legislation. ER Strategies has also invested in encrypted and secure online webforms as an alternative disclosure method for whistleblowers who may not want to speak to us directly. The Whistleblower service also includes access to a web-based management training session and online course on Whistleblower Obligations for key staff, and a copy of our template Whistleblower policy for you to adopt or review.
Our professional input on actions for you to take to deal with issues raised, where suitable
Connect your 1800 or 1300 national/standard number to our Whistleblower Hotline service.
Virtually unlimited use of our online training module on the rights and obligations created by the Whistleblower legislation via our Go1 LMS platform
Whistleblower anonymity guaranteed in accordance with the Whistleblower requirements of the Act
Only trained, senior staff will handle your Whistleblower calls
Secure online form created especially for your business
Whistleblower Service
ER Strategies will take calls from eligible Whistleblowers (as defined under the Act) via our dedicated hotline, during normal business hours (Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra time). Note that the definition of Whistleblowers is very wide and may include employees, associates and their family members, including those of your suppliers. It may also include franchisees of a franchisor, for example.
Clients set up their own phone number and direct their Whistleblower Hotline service numbers (including their 1800 or 1300 national numbers) to our landing number, so that you retain control of their choice of service provider.
Calls will only be handled by trained, senior staff and action will be appropriately taken in accordance with the Whistleblower requirements of the Act and our clients’ policies and procedures.
ER Strategies has implemented high levels of security to protect the required confidentiality and even anonymity of Whistleblower callers, in accordance with the legislated protections. This includes the process of recording call details and sharing the details of the disclosure with the nominated contact with the client.
Want to know more?
Free Whistleblower Policy Template
While the new Whistleblower Protections commenced from 1 July 2019, the requirement for public and large proprietary companies to have in place and implement a Whistleblower Policy commences from 1 January 2020.
ER Strategies has developed a template policy that you can adapt for your business!