Whistleblowers have potential to improve law enforcement efficacy, deter wrongful conduct and uphold public and private sector integrity in Australia. However, they are currently obstructed from doing so, in part by inadequate legal protections and a lack of support. 

This report seeks to analyse the viability of introducing a federal whistleblower reward scheme in Australia. It outlines options for establishing a distinctly Australian whistleblower rewards scheme, drawing on the experience of comparative jurisdictions and building on international momentum.

Fundamentally, rewards schemes are designed to assist law enforcement and regulators in investigating and prosecuting wrongdoing, while deterring potential perpetrators from engaging in fraudulent, corrupt, unethical or illegal conduct. 

The report includes:

• a discussion of the benefits of whistleblower rewards schemes
• a summary of the two main reward scheme models that are used in other jurisdictions and how they might be integrated into Australia’s existing law enforcement infrastructure
• an overview of the core areas of focus for policymaking to ensure that any Australian scheme is as effective and equitable as possible.