Whistleblowers who raised red flags about Ministry of Transport fraudster Joanne Harrison say they've been vindicated by an inquiry.
Sandi Beatie QSO, who carried out the investigation, with State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
A State Services Commission investigation found the staff were hurt, humiliated and forced out of their jobs after raising concerns about Harrison.
Victoria University researcher Michael Macaulay told Morning Report the law governing disclosure needs to be reviewed, to ensure protection of whistleblowers like those in the Harrison case.
The State Services Commission has recommended a review of the Protected Disclosures Act.
“On paper there’s some strength but clearly it hasn’t been really used or reactivated much over the last 17 years and we certainly would welcome the report’s suggestion that we look at it again and have a review,” Professor Macaulay said.
Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier, whose office can also assist whistleblowers and offer them protection, said the report showed the system was sub-standard and inadequate.
"People who feel that there is wrong[doing] need to easily know that they can complain and that they won't be disadvantaged; there are meant to be processes that agencies have widely publicised and made available and they're not doing it."
