Independent ACT Senator David Pocock has welcomed a proposal to appoint a national Whistleblower Ombudsman.

Following last week’s inquiry report into a xbench bill for a Whistleblower Protection Authority, it’s good to see the Govt propose an ombudsman to support whistleblowers.I’ll keep advocating for a dedicated Authority & reforms to protect whistleblowers.www.canberratimes.com.au/story/905684…

— David Pocock (@davidpocock.bsky.social) 2025-09-03T21:13:00.915Z

AAP

People looking to blow the whistle on wrongdoing but who fear repercussions could get more protection under a watchdog.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has proposed a whistleblower ombudsman that has oversight of the Public Interest Disclosure Act, under which whistleblowers are supposed to be protected.

However, human rights groups have been critical of its operation in practice due to a lack of success in courts using the protections afforded by the laws.

Groups like the Human Rights Law Centre, alongside independent parliamentarians, have championed a whistleblower protection authority as a standalone, independent body that could assist people who come forward.

Ms Rowland said the ombudsman would have oversight of the disclosure laws to ensure cases are correctly responded to, and would employ dispute resolution functions and investigate reprisals.