Whistleblower Policy

At Cootharinga, we want everyone to feel safe, respected and supported.

If something does not seem right, we encourage people connected with Cootharinga to speak up. This may include concerns about wrongdoing, misconduct, unsafe practices, or anything that could affect the rights, safety or wellbeing of clients, , NDIS participants, employees or Cootharinga.

Our Whistleblower Policy explains how people can raise concerns, how disclosures are managed, and the protections available to people who speak up.

Who can raise a concern?

A whistleblower disclosure can be made by people who are currently, or were previously, connected with Cootharinga. This includes clients, family members, carers, advocates, employees, volunteers, students, contractors, suppliers, Board members and others connected with our services.

Disclosures can be made anonymously, verbally or in writing.

What kinds of concerns can be raised?

A whistleblower disclosure may relate to concerns such as misconduct, unsafe practices, breaches of legislation, serious breaches of Cootharinga policies, fraud, corruption, abuse, neglect, exploitation, poor-quality care or improper claims.

Some personal work-related matters may be better managed through other complaint or workplace pathways. However, where a concern involves victimisation, serious misconduct, or broader legal, regulatory or safety issues, it may be covered by the Whistleblower Policy.

How we protect people who speak up

Cootharinga takes whistleblower protections seriously. We will take reasonable steps to protect the identity of a whistleblower and manage disclosures confidentially, fairly and safely. Cootharinga does not tolerate victimisation, retaliation or unfair treatment of a person because they have raised a protected concern.

Disclosures are assessed promptly and managed confidentially and independently. Where needed, matters may be investigated under Cootharinga's Whistleblower Procedure or referred to an external regulator.

Records are stored securely, with access strictly limited.

How to make a disclosure

A disclosure can be made to an eligible Cootharinga recipient, including a responsible person, General Manager, Executive Leader, the Chair or a Director of the Board.

Disclosures can also be made to relevant external bodies, such as the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, ACNC, ASIC or police.