What is the Victoria University Whistleblower Protection Hotline?
How do I make a disclosure?
Is it confidential?
What will I be asked when I call?
How will I be protected?
Where can I obtain further information?

What is the Victoria University Whistleblower Protection Hotline?
The Whistleblower Protection hotline has been established to provide general advice on reporting of improper conduct or detrimental action, and for reporting of improper conduct or detrimental action not falling within the application of the Act.
Any person can make an enquiry by calling the toll free telephone number 1800 288 186

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How do I make a disclosure?
Any person can make a disclosure under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2001 by calling the Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator as follows:

Dr Steven Stern
Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator
University General Counsel
Tel: (03) 9919 4008
Fax: (03) 9919 4145
Building K, Room K614
Footscray Park Campus

or via the internet by taking the following steps:
1] Click on Disclosure tab in the above menu .
2] Answer all questions.
3] Click on Submit button.
4] Record the Disclosure Number for your reference

or via the Ombudsman
The Ombudsman Victoria
Level 3, 459 Collins Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
(DX 210174)

Internet: www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au
E-mail: ombudvic@ombudman.vic.gov.au
Telephone: (03) 9613 6222
Toll Free: 1800 806 314
Facsimile: (03) 9614 0246
Ombudsman: Mr George E Brouwer Tel: (03) 9613 6202

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Is it confidential?
Victoria University will take all reasonable steps to protect the identity of the whistleblower. Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in ensuring reprisals are not made against a whistleblower. The Act requires any person who receives information due to the handling or investigation of a protected disclosure, not to disclose that information except in certain limited circumstances.

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What will I be asked when I call?
The investigators will need as much information as possible regarding the matter you wish to report. Although disclosures can be made anonymously, you will be asked to identify yourself because you may need to be spoken to again if clarification or further information is needed.

Please allow at least half an hour to discuss the matter initially.

You will be asked to describe in detail the matter you wish to report including details of:
1] Those involved in suspected wrongdoing
2] How was the matter discovered
3] The location of the suspected activity
4] The time period that the matter covered
5] Supporting evidence
6] Witnesses

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How will I be protected?
The taking of detrimental action against a person in reprisal for making a disclosure is a breach the Whistleblowers Protection Act and criminal penalties apply. Detrimental action can include:

1] action causing injury, loss or damage
2] intimidation or harassment
3] discrimination, disadvantage or adverse treatment in relation to a person's employment, career, profession, trade or business (including the taking of disciplinary action).

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Where can I obtain further information?
The University's Whistleblowers procedures document is available at www.vu.edu.au/GovernancePolicy

The University's Fraud Prevention policy document is available at wcf.vu.edu.au/GovernancePolicy/index.cfm?PolicyAZ=F

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