The Whistleblower Project launches
The Human Rights Law Centre has launched the Whistleblower Project, a new initiative to support people who speak out in the public interest
Whistleblowers play a critical role in our democracy. From war crimes in Afghanistan to misconduct at our banks, to damaged ecosystems and mistreatment of refugees, so much has been revealed thanks to the courage of whistleblowers.
When a person witnesses wrongdoing and has the courage to speak up, they should be recognised as a human rights defender, not punished. But right now, ineffective protections, legal uncertainty and insufficient practical support are discouraging people from blowing the whistle.
80 per cent of people who blow the whistle experience some form of reprisal. Consequences range from losing their job to being threatened with jail time. Two whistleblowers are currently on trial.
The Human Rights Law Centre is proud to announce the launch of the Whistleblower Project.
Our new initiative will provide expert legal support so whistleblowers can safely reveal wrongdoing under the protection of law and ensure the wrongdoing they disclose is dealt with promptly and fairly.
Our team will also continue to advocate for law reform and institutional change to strengthen whistleblower protections in Australia.
The Project would not be possible without the support of our pro bono law firm and counsel partners, donors and supporters – we are deeply grateful to be working with all of you to help defend whistleblowers and stand up for accountability in Australia.
Why we need stronger whistleblower protections
In March, Associate Legal Director, Kieran Pender was at the ACT Court of Appeal to observe McBride’s appeal – he is challenging his conviction, and the severity of his sentence.
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International Women’s Day: Rights, equality, empowerment
International Women’s Day is more than an anniversary, it’s a global celebration of what has been achieved over centuries of campaigning and action by women fighting for equality.
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High Court challenge launched for man facing deportation to Nauru
The Human Rights Law Centre has filed an urgent High Court challenge on behalf of a man who was scheduled to be deportated to Nauru. After filing the legal challenge, the Australian Government promised that our client would not be removed before his case was finished.
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Acknowledgement of Country
The Human Rights Law Centre acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia, including the lands of the Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung, Gadigal, Ngunnawal, Darug and Wadawurrung people where we work from.
We pay our respect to Elders past and present. This land always was, and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
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