Where to for protected digital disclosures in Australia?

This document is a read-out from a closed-door discussion on public accountability and tech whistleblowing. It is presented as a summary of early policy thinking, representing perspectives from tech and accountability advocacy, media, and law. Accordingly, this document is early-stage rather than exhaustive, and will continue to be iterated on.

Speakers presented on three themes, which were:

1. What are the current mechanisms for digital protected disclosures in Australia?
2. How are tech whistleblower disclosures reaching journalists?
3. How are courts using whistleblower evidence in litigation?

The recommendations provide a template for timely and targeted reforms which will be of interest to state and federal decision-makers.

This briefing can be read as a ‘companion’ piece to our newly released ‘Technology-Related Whistleblowing: A Practical Guide’, co-authored with HRLC and with partnership from Digital Rights Watch and Psst.