Whistleblower Protection
What action should I take?
If you become aware of activity that you reasonably suspect or know is fraudulent, illegal or improper, it is important that you report it as soon as possible.
- Report any suspected incident to your Head of School or Branch, or relevant line manager.
- If you feel that reporting the incident through your Head of School or Branch or relevant line manager would be inappropriate, contact the University’s Whistleblower Protection Officer, Celine McInerney by email (celine.mcinerney@adelaide.edu.au) or by telephone (08) 8303 6080 to arrange a meeting.
- In the event of the allegation involving the General Counsel or one of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors or Vice-Presidents, refer the incident directly to the Vice Chancellor and President. In accordance with the Fraud Control Plan, all whistleblower reports will be escalated internally and externally as appropriate.
- Employees of a University of Adelaide Controlled Entity are also encouraged to report suspected incidents to the current company chairperson or to the University’s Whistleblower Protection Officer.
- Adelaide Research & Innovation (ARI) Pty Ltd (Chair: Paul Duldig)
- National Wine Centre Pty Ltd (Chair: Mark Balnaves)
- Adelaide Unicare Pty Ltd (Chair: David Bailey)
- Martindale Holdings Pty Ltd (Chair: Richard McKay)
- Roseworthy Piggery Pty Ltd (Chair: Peter Brechin)
- ACN 008 123 466 Pty Ltd (Chair: Celine McInerney)
Tips on reporting
- Disclosure of information to the University’s Whistleblower Protection Officer directly is preferable, as meetings will be in person and in private.
- Reporting via email is good too, because it can seem less daunting and is a useful way of organising the facts of the matter before discussing them in person.
- Reporting over the phone is okay but not ideal, unless you can be certain that the conversation will be confidential and that you have sufficient time to fully discuss the situation.
- Anonymous letters or reports will be considered, but are difficult to act on because they don’t usually provide enough sufficient or specific information to even start an investigation. It is always best to deal with a complaint openly and fairly.
If you wish to make a report under whistleblower provisions, you are expected to act in good faith and reasonably in making reports, and ensure the information you wish to disclose is legitimate and true. In return, the University will respect the confidentiality of your identity and will provide support and protection to you against recrimination or reprisal, or any threat of detriment.
