Whistleblowing

It’s okay to speak up

UnitingCare is committed to fostering a culture of integrity and accountability where our people observe high standards of good governance and ethical behaviour, and our people and consumers feel supported to safely disclose matters of concern.

UnitingCare encourages reporting of any suspected wrongdoing and is committed to protecting and supporting whistleblowers. Disclosures are handled fairly, transparently and promptly, with confidentiality and safeguards in place for those who report concerns.

Persons eligible for making a disclosure

The UnitingCare Whistleblowing Policy covers current and former directors, officers, employees, volunteers, contractors, consultants, suppliers, auditors, their relatives or dependents, and anyone connected to UnitingCare. It also extends to individuals receiving funded aged care services and their representatives, supporters, or anyone wishing to report potential breaches of the Aged Care Act.

Matters which can be reported

Disclosures should be made if you suspect UnitingCare has acted dishonestly, illegally, unethically, breached policies, wasted resources, endangered people, or caused serious harm to its reputation or interests.

Protections for whistleblowers

Disclosures made in accordance with the Whistleblowing Policy may qualify for protection under the Aged Care Act, Corporations Act, Tax Act or other applicable laws. These protections apply even if the disclosure turns out to be incorrect, provided it was made on reasonable grounds. Refer to the Policy for further information on protections.

How to make a disclosure

Disclosures made under the UnitingCare Whistleblowing Policy are assessed to determine if they fall within the policy’s scope. If they do, protections such as confidentiality, anonymity, and safeguards against detriment apply. Investigations are conducted fairly and promptly, and you will be updated on progress as much as possible, while maintaining confidentiality
Your disclosure can be made to:

• STOPline - UnitingCare’s Integrity Hotline (independent third-party whistleblowing service)
• a UnitingCare director, officer or senior manager
• an auditor or actuary of UnitingCare;
• the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), or other relevant regulators;
• a legal practitioner for the purpose of obtaining legal advice or representation in relation to whistleblower protections.

If you make a disclosure related to a breach of the Aged Care Act, your disclosure can also be made to:

• the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission,
• the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing,
• an aged care worker or responsible person of UnitingCare, including through STOPline,
• the police; or
• an independent aged care advocate (such as Older Persons Advocacy Network).

You can report concerns anonymously, and you’ll still be protected under the Whistleblower Policy if your disclosure meets the policy’s criteria. Anonymous disclosures can be made through UnitingCare’s independent Integrity Hotline, STOPline.