Whistleblowers have exposed some of Australia’s biggest scandals – from Robodebt and misconduct in the banking sector, to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan – stories that often only come to light because someone inside decides to speak up.

But for the people who do, the personal cost can be devastating: retaliation at work, legal threats, even prosecution. And that fear keeps others silent, leaving wrongdoing to fester.

The Albanese government came to office in 2022 promising a stronger integrity agenda, including “immediate improvements” to whistleblower laws and broader reform to follow. But years on, what’s actually changed for whistleblowers, and why do so many still feel unprotected?

Today, lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre’s Whistleblower Project, Kieran Pender, on creating Australia’s first specialist legal service for whistleblowers, and what’s wrong with our laws.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

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Guest: Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre’s Whistleblower Project, Kieran Pender

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Whistleblowers have exposed some of Australia&rsquo;s biggest scandals &ndash; from Robodebt and misconduct in the banking sector, to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan &ndash; stories that often only come to light because someone inside decides to speak up.
But for the people who do, the personal cost can be devastating: retaliation at work, legal threats, even prosecution. And that fear keeps others silent, leaving wrongdoing to fester.
The Albanese government came to office in 2022 promising a stronger integrity agenda, including &ldquo;immediate improvements&rdquo; to whistleblower laws and broader reform to follow. But years on, what&rsquo;s actually changed for whistleblowers, and why do so many still feel unprotected?
Today, lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre&rsquo;s Whistleblower Project, Kieran Pender, on creating Australia&rsquo;s first specialist legal service for whistleblowers, and what&rsquo;s wrong with our laws.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre&rsquo;s Whistleblower Project, Kieran Pender
Photo:&nbsp;AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

Speak the truth, pay the price: Australia's broken whistleblower laws

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