3.11 Whistleblower Policy

Aged Care Quality Standard 6 – Feedback and Complaints
NDIS Practice Standards – Rights & Responsibilities; Feedback and Complaints Management

Policy Statement

Wingecarribee Food Services Co-operative Ltd (Meals on Wheels Southern Highlands) is committed to promoting the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and accountability across all areas of its service delivery.

This policy supports a culture where staff, volunteers, contractors, clients, and community members feel safe and confident to raise genuine concerns about misconduct, wrongdoing, or unethical behaviour without fear of reprisal.

Whistleblower protections form part of our broader complaints and continuous improvement framework and are consistent with our Feedback and Complaints Policy (3.10) and Open Disclosure Policy.

Any information received under this policy will be handled confidentially, fairly, and sensitively and will contribute to our Continuous Improvement Plan where appropriate.

Policy

Wingecarribee Food Services Co-operative Ltd encourages all individuals associated with the organisation to report, in good faith, any suspected or actual misconduct, unlawful behaviour, or improper practices.

This may include (but is not limited to):

  • Fraud, theft, or corruption
  • Dishonesty, misuse of funds or resources
  • Breaches of confidentiality or privacy
  • Bullying, harassment, or discrimination
  • Risks to health, safety, or wellbeing of others
  • Any breach of the Aged Care Code of Conduct, organisational policy, or law
  • All disclosures will be reviewed and investigated where appropriate. Whistleblowers are protected under both the Aged Care Act 2024 and the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Retaliation against any person making a genuine disclosure will not be tolerated.

 

How to Make a Disclosure

Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing. Disclosures can be made anonymously if preferred.

You can contact:

  • Manager – Debbie Smith – debbie@mealssouthernhighlands.org.au
  • Whistleblower Protection Officer / Secretary – secretary@mealssouthernhighlands.org.au
  • Chairperson of the Board, if the Manager or Secretary are involved in the concern
  • External reporting options are also available:
  • Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission – 1800 951 822 or www.agedcarequality.gov.au
  • Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) – www.acnc.gov.au
  • NSW Ombudsman – 1800 451 524 or www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
  • Police – for criminal matters
  • A legal practitioner – for advice under the Whistleblower Protections provisions of the Corporations Act 2001

Where possible, provide:

  • Details of the concern or incident
  • When and where it occurred
  • Who was involved (if known)
  • Any supporting information or evidence
  • All information will be handled discreetly, and confidentiality will be maintained wherever possible.

 

Responding to a Disclosure

Upon receiving a disclosure:

  • The staff member or volunteer receiving the information will notify the Manager or Whistleblower Protection Officer immediately.
  • The Manager or Responsible Officer will acknowledge receipt of the disclosure within 48 hours.
  • An initial review will determine whether the matter warrants formal investigation.
  • If an investigation proceeds, it will be conducted fairly, confidentially, and without bias, ensuring natural justice for all involved.
  • Findings will be documented, and actions taken to address verified concerns will be recorded in the Continuous Improvement Plan.
  • The Whistleblower will be kept informed of progress where appropriate, respecting privacy and confidentiality.

 

Protections for Whistleblowers

  • Individuals who make a genuine report in good faith are protected from victimisation, dismissal, or any form of retaliation.
  • Their identity will remain confidential unless disclosure is legally required or consented to.
  • Any person found to have caused detriment to a Whistleblower will be subject to disciplinary action.
  • Support may include access to counselling, modified work arrangements, or other measures to ensure wellbeing and safety.
  • False, malicious, or vexatious disclosures will not be tolerated.

 

Continuous Improvement

All confirmed disclosures, outcomes, and actions will be recorded in the organisation’s Continuous Improvement Register and discussed at management and Board meetings to identify trends or risks and improve organisational governance.

Related Documents

Feedback & Complaints (Consumer or Community)

Code of Conduct Policy

Grievance Policy

Open Disclosure Policy

Continuous Improvement Policy