Whistleblowers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Procedures for investigating disclosures under the Whistleblower's Protection Act 2001

The Role of the Ombudsman

The Ombudsman has a central role in handling disclosures of improper conduct made under the Whistleblower's Protection Act ("the Act"). The role of the Ombudsman involves:

• Preparing and publishing guidelines to assist public bodies in interpreting and complying with the Act (available from http://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au)
• Reviewing written procedures established by public bodies and making recommendations in relation to those procedures
• Determining whether a disclosure warrants investigation
• Investigating disclosures
• Monitoring investigations where they have been referred to public bodies
• Monitoring the action taken by public bodies where the findings of an investigation reveal that improper conduct has occurred
• Reporting to Parliament where public bodies fail to implement recommendations made by the Ombudsman at the conclusion of an investigation
• Collating and publishing statistics about disclosures handled by the Ombudsman
• Educating and training public bodies.

Further information

Ombudsman Victoria
Level 9, North Tower, 459 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000

Tel: (03) 9613 6222
Toll Free: 1800 806 314
Internet http://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au