media release (17-129MR)

ASIC supports second-phase extension of groundbreaking whistleblower research project

Published

ASIC has welcomed and strongly endorsed today's announcement of the second stage of the ground breaking research project 'Whistle While They Work', which will lead to a strong information base to assist considerations of whistleblowing practices.

The 'Strength of Whistleblowing Processes' report, undertaken by a multi-university team led by Griffith University's Professor AJ Brown, and funded by the Australian Research Council, follows on from the ASIC-sponsored Whistling While They Work report. It identifies the factors that influence good and bad responses to whistleblowing across a wide range of institutions.

This unique research project is the first to systematically compare the levels, responses and outcomes of whistleblowing in multiple organisations:

  • Across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors; and
  • Across international boundaries

The project will provide a clearer basis for evaluation and improvement in organisational procedures, better public policy, and a more informed approaches to the reform or introduction of whistleblower protection laws.

ASIC Commissioner John Price said, 'The release of the new results provides an important new picture of where the strengths and weaknesses lie in current whistleblowing processes.

'This demonstrates firstly, the value of the project and of participating in it, but also why it's important that industry take a proactive approach to helping identify and adopt best practice, so that improvements in this area are well-informed and well-targeted on what's needed.'

This research project comes at a very important time and will provide a strong rationale for both industry and regulators to understand the importance of effective whistleblower programs within their workplaces.

It will also progress our understanding of how these programs should be effectively embedded in large organisations. The ability for staff to speak up to its leaders and identify wrongdoing is a feature a strong organisational culture, including whistleblowers being heard, considered and appropriately dealt with.

ASIC encourages companies officers and directors to support this groundbreaking research.

Media enquiries: Contact ASIC Media Unit