Reforms to whistleblower laws, including a Whistleblower Protection Authority, appear in The Australia Institute’s Democracy Agenda for the 48th Parliament. This analysis reproduces and updates our previous research on how to fix whistleblower laws and reduce corruption.

A Whistleblower Protection Authority would help implement whistleblowing laws by:

• Being a source of practical guidance and support for whistleblowers;
• Assisting agencies with coordination and management of disclosures;
• Promoting best-practice whistleblowing policies and procedures;
• Investigating alleged detrimental action and recommending remedies;
• Supporting enforcement litigation in strategic cases where whistleblowers deserve remedies; and
• Administering a rewards scheme for whistleblowers.

Polling conducted by The Australia Institute in collaboration with the Human Rights Law Centre and Whistleblower Justice Fund shows that 84% of Australians support the introduction of a Whistleblower Protection Authority, and only 5% oppose.

As recognised by whistleblowing experts, the Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill 2025 (No.2) would represent a step forward for whistleblower protections, and the integrity arm of government more broadly.