Chris HipkinsThe Government is exploring greater protections for whistle-blowers, which it says is vital to enhance public and private sector service integrity. In the aftermath, State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes ordered an investigation, which found the three ministry employees suffered disadvantage, including hurt and humiliation, but did not lose their jobs because of their whistle-blowing. It also found that ministry workers were uncertain of the complaints process for whistle-blowers, and were fearful about the repercussions of speaking out. A State Services Commission review was launched into the Protected Disclosures Act, and State Services Minister Chris Hipkins said a series of workshops would begin next week. ‘‘It is crucial that employees feel safe to report cases of serious misconduct,’’ Mr Hipkins said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 16, 2018 20:48 UTC