Increase whistleblower protections

Review the Protected Disclosures Act 2000 with the aim of expanding and strengthening whistleblower protections and allowing disclosures to be made directly to MPs or media.
 

Why the contribution is important

The Protected Disclosures Act 2000 is under-utilised as the requirements to enjoy protection are extremely difficult to meet. This discourages people from disclosing suspected wrongdoing. Other regimes have much greater protection and a wider list of possible means of disclosure. Following suit and strengthening our whistleblower protections would increse both public integrity and corporate accountability.

The State Services Commission is currently responsible for the Act, and should therefore be responsible for this commitment. Milestones could include the beginning of the review, release of final recommendations, and the introduction, passage, and coming into force of the resulting legislation.

by IdiotSavant on August 12, 2016 at 04:30PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 5.0
Based on: 11 votes

Comments

  • Posted by macaulmi August 14, 2016 at 16:25

    Excellent idea and this is supported by current research 'Whistle While They Work 2' which can be used as an evidence base for NZ reforms.

  • Posted by Rhamish August 16, 2016 at 11:54

    Brilliant idea - often overlooked dissent is a core ingredient of a truly accountable democracy.

  • Posted by Ari August 19, 2016 at 20:57

    This is particularly needed, especially with the tendency lately for whistle-blowing to be regarded as employee misconduct, and for liberated information to be attacked as "stolen," even by government.
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