Whistleblower bill excluding sexual harassment complaints from protection goes too far, Greens senator says

Examples in the bill of conduct that could no longer be the subject of a whistleblower complaint include interpersonal conflicts, bullying or harassment; disputes about promotions; terms and conditions of employment; and disciplinary action including suspension or termination.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has called for members of parliamentary staff to gain rights to make a protected public interest disclosure, while the independent MP Helen Haines continues to push for a whistleblower commissioner.

The attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, said he will consider those options but only in the second tranche of reforms and after consultation.

The AHRC supported the removal of personal work-related conduct from the whistleblower scheme, but recommended requiring agencies to investigate or refer such complaints.