The Aged Care Act 2024 (Cth) introduces a whistleblower protection framework that encourages anyone to report suspected wrongdoing, misconduct or breaches of the law in aged care.
This information has been prepared to help individuals understand:
- how to make a disclosure
- how the RMH will respond and comply with our obligations under the Aged Care Act 2024 (Cth)
Reporting such conduct is referred to as making a 'whistleblowing disclosure'.
Disclosures are important in:
- identifying and addressing wrongdoing
- protecting residents and staff
- maintaining the integrity, safety and quality of aged care services delivered by the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH)
What is whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is when a person reports a misconduct. It is often done by a staff member or internal representative, but can be reported by anyone.
Whistleblowing under the Aged Care Act refers specifically to someone – such as a resident, family member, visitor, volunteer or staff member – reporting a suspected breach of the Aged Care Act committed by the RMH.
This may be through:
- unethical, dishonest or illegal conduct
- fraudulent activity or improper or corrupt conduct
- unsafe work practices
- conduct which may cause financial or non-financial loss, or
- any other breach of the law by the RMH
Our commitment to protecting disclosers
The RMH encourages everyone to speak up, including staff, contractors, volunteers, residents and family members. We take all whistleblowing disclosures seriously.
The RMH is committed to maintaining a safe, transparent and accountable workplace by supporting and protecting those who report concerns.
Who can make a report
Anyone can make a whistleblowing disclosure provided they reasonably believe the RMH has breached or intends to breach the Aged Care Act 2024.
Reports can be made in person, by telephone or by email. You can choose to remain anonymous.
How to make a report
To make a whistleblowing disclosure, you can report to an 'eligible recipient' in the following ways:
- by email at mhLegalServices@mh.org.au
- by phone:
- for disclosures about Residential Aged Care (RAC), call Cyril Jewell House on (03) 9331 6581 or Boyne Russell House on (03) 9381 1900 and ask to be put through to the Nurse Unit Manager
- for disclosures about the Transition Care Program (TCP), call (03) 8387 2186 or 0419 283 186
- in person – speak to an RMH aged care worker or responsible persons
- to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
- to the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- to a police officer
- to an independent aged care advocate
Whistleblowing report template
The RMH has developed a Whistleblowing Report Template to make it easier for people to include the right information when raising a concern.
The template can be used by both RMH staff who are eligible recipients and by individuals making a disclosure directly.
Protections for whistleblowers
The RMH is committed to upholding the protections available to whistleblowers. We will treat any breaches of these protections as serious misconduct.
Protections available for disclosers include:
- Protection from victimisation – you cannot be harmed, punished, or disadvantaged for making a report. This includes actions such as harassment, unfair treatment or threats.
- Confidentiality – your identity is kept private wherever possible and will only be disclosed according to RMH policies or as allowed by law.
- Support – advocacy and support services are available to help you through the process.
Alternatives to making a whistleblowing disclosure
You can make other forms of feedback, complaints or concerns to the RMH directly.
The Aged Care Whistleblowing program does not prevent individuals from making a Public Interest Disclosure (complaint about serious misconduct or corruption).