Whistleblowing Statistics: By the Numbers

Looking at the whistleblowing statistics, it’s clear that whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing wrongdoing, promoting accountability, and upholding ethical standards within Australian organisations. As business leaders, managers, directors, and industry influencers, we all must understand the current landscape of whistleblowing and recognise its significance in fostering a culture of transparency and integrity.

So what are the Australian whistleblowing statistics? And what can they teach us?

Whistleblowing statistics: Room for improvement

Australia has made significant strides in implementing robust whistleblower protection laws and regulations, recognising the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals who choose to speak up against wrongdoing. However, as these whistleblowing statistics and research indicate there is still room for improvement in ensuring effective implementation and promoting a culture that truly values integrity and ethical conduct.

Disclosure numbers

A report by the Commonwealth Ombudsman revealed that between 2017 and 2021, there were 1,173 whistleblower disclosures made to the Australian Public Service (APS), with the highest number of disclosures coming from the Department of Home Affairs (269) and the Australian Taxation Office (222). (Source: Commonwealth Ombudsman, “Whistleblowing in the Australian Public Sector,” November 2022).

According to a report by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, there were 19,957 whistleblower disclosures made to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) between 2017 and 2021. (Source: Parliament of Australia, “Whistleblower protections in the corporate, public and not-for-profit sectors,” September 2022).

According to a report by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) in Victoria, there were 1,236 whistleblower allegations received by IBAC between 2016 and 2020, with the most common allegations relating to misconduct in the public sector (43%) and police personnel conduct (39%). (Source: IBAC, “Whistleblowers: Exposing corruption and misconduct in the public sector,” November 2020).

Types of misconduct

A report by the Commonwealth Ombudsman found that between 2017 and 2021, the most common types of wrongdoing reported by whistleblowers in the Australian Public Service (APS) were improper management of public resources (24%), unethical conduct (22%), and improper personnel practices (19%). (Source: Commonwealth Ombudsman, “Whistleblowing in the Australian Public Sector,” November 2022).

A report by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) revealed that of 1,058 whistleblower disclosures received between 2017 and 2021, the majority related to tax evasion, avoidance, and fraud. (Source: ATO, 2022).

According to a report by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in New South Wales, of the 2,378 whistleblower reports received between 2016 and 2020, the most common allegations relating to corruption (33%), misconduct (28%), and maladministration (19%). (Source: ICAC NSW, 202). 

According to a report by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the most common allegations between 2018 and 2021 from the banking and financial services sector related to misconduct, unethical behaviour, and compliance breaches. (Source: APRA, “Whistleblowing in the Banking and Financial Services Sector,” 2022)

According to a report by the Queensland Ombudsman, the most common disclosures in the  Queensland public sector between 2018 and 2020 were about maladministration (38%) and official misconduct (31%). (Source: Queensland Ombudsman, “Whistleblowing in the Queensland Public Sector,” December 2020).

Reprisals

A study by the Australian National University found that 81% of public sector whistleblowers experienced some form of reprisal or negative consequences after making a disclosure, with the most common forms being workplace harassment, disciplinary action, and dismissal. (Source: Australian National University, “Whistleblowing in the Australian Public Sector: An Exploratory Study,” 2020).

A survey by Griffith University and the University of Melbourne found that 39% of whistleblowers in Australia reported experiencing some form of retaliation or adverse consequences after making a disclosure. (Source: Griffith University, “Whistleblowing and Whistleblower Protection in Australia,” 2022).

According to a report by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), around 25% of whistleblowers in the private sector reported experiencing some form of retaliation or negative consequences after making a disclosure. (Source: Australian Council of Trade Unions, “Whistleblower Protection in the Private Sector,” 2019).

A study by the University of Sydney found that 41% of whistleblowers in the Australian banking and financial services industry experienced some form of retaliation or negative consequences after making a disclosure. (Source: University of Sydney, “Whistleblowing in the Banking and Financial Services Industry,” 2019).

A study by the University of Melbourne found that 63% of whistleblowers in the Australian healthcare sector experienced some form of retaliation or negative consequences after making a disclosure, with the most common forms being workplace harassment, ostracism, and dismissal. (Source: University of Melbourne, “Whistleblowing in the Australian Healthcare Sector,” 2021).

A study by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) found that 48% of whistleblowers in the Australian private sector experienced some form of retaliation or negative consequences after making a disclosure, with the most common forms being workplace harassment, demotion, and dismissal. (Source: UTS, “Whistleblowing in the Australian Private Sector,” 2021).

Readiness

A survey by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) found that only 24% of large companies and 18% of small companies had implemented a whistleblower policy as required by law. (Source: ASIC, “Whistleblower policies: Adopting the new whistleblower policies,” January 2020).

According to a study by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), only 28% of Australian companies provided whistleblower training to their employees, and only 19% had a dedicated whistleblower protection officer. (Source: UNSW, “Corporate Whistleblowing in Australia,” 2019).

A survey by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) found that only 37% of private sector employees felt that their workplace had adequate whistleblower protection policies and procedures in place. (Source: ACTU, “Whistleblower Protection in the Private Sector,” 2019).

According to a report by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), only 43% of Australian companies had a dedicated whistleblower hotline or reporting mechanism in place. (Source: AICD, “Whistleblower Policies and Procedures,” 2019). 

A survey by the Australia Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) found that 76% of the top 200 Australian companies had implemented a whistleblower policy as required by law, but only 38% of these policies fully aligned with regulatory guidance. (Source: ACSI, “Whistleblower Policies in Australia,” 2021).

A study by the University of Melbourne found that only 24% of whistleblowers in the Australian public sector reported being satisfied with the overall outcome of their disclosure. (Source: University of Melbourne, “Whistleblowing in the Australian Public Sector,” 2020).

Whistleblowing statistics: The bottom line

Together, we have the opportunity to shape a future for Australia where whistleblowing is not only respected but celebrated as a vital component of corporate responsibility and sustainable success. 

Embracing whistleblowing is not merely a compliance exercise; it is a strategic imperative that can safeguard organisational reputation, build stakeholder trust, and contribute to long-term sustainability. By creating a safe and supportive environment for whistleblowers, we not only mitigate the risk of misconduct and unethical practices but also empower individuals to be agents of positive change, driving continuous improvement and upholding the highest standards of corporate governance.

Let’s work together to foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to speak up, organisations thrive on transparency, and ethical practices become the cornerstone of Australian business.