Report an issue related to Council's aged care services

Council encourages anyone with genuine concerns about misconduct in aged care services to speak up.

All disclosures will be treated seriously, confidentially, fairly, and with strong protections for those who raise concerns. 

Purpose 

Our Whistleblower Policy(PDF, 330KB) ensures that all people involved with Council’s aged care services can safely report suspected serious wrongdoing, including abuse, neglect, unsafe practices, fraud, or breaches of the Aged Care Act 2024.

The policy supports integrity, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in service delivery.  

Who can make a disclosure? 

Anyone can make a whistleblower disclosure, including: 

  • clients
  • family members and carers
  • supporters and advocates
  • employees and volunteers
  • community members 

The person must have reasonable grounds to suspect misconduct or a breach of the Act.  

What can be reported? 

A whistleblower disclosure relates to serious concerns such as: 

  • abuse or neglect of an older person
  • unsafe care practices
  • fraud or financial misconduct
  • breaches of the Aged Care Act 2024 or related standards
  • other serious wrongdoing affecting aged care clients or services 

These disclosures are different from routine complaints and receive legal protections under the Act.  

Whistleblower protections 

Council is committed to protecting whistleblowers by: 

  • maintaining confidentiality wherever possible 
  • allowing anonymous disclosures 
  • preventing victimisation, retaliation, bullying, or discrimination 
  • protecting individuals from dismissal, demotion, or disciplinary action for making a disclosure
  • supporting associated family members or colleagues who may be affected 

How to make a disclosure

Step 1.Contact us

There are a number of ways to make a disclosure.

Make a disclosure to Council:

  • By completing our online form: 

Make an aged care whistleblower disclosure

  • In person at the Council offices - 32 Civic Drive, Greensborough
  • By phone - 9433 3111 and ask for the Aged Care Whistleblower Officer
  • By email - whistleblowerofficer@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
  • In writing - Nillumbik Shire Council, PO Box 476, Greensborough, VIC 3088

Make a disclosure to another person or organisation, including:

Your disclosure may be anonymous if you wish, but it will help us to investigate further if we can contact you.

Step 2.We will investigate

If you make a disclosure to Council, it will be: 

  • received and acknowledged
  • assessed by our Whistleblower Officer
  • investigated fairly, independently, and confidentially where appropriate
  • managed in a timely and culturally safe manner
  • followed by findings and appropriate actions 

We will keep you informed throughout the process where possible.

Frequently asked questions

What is a whistleblower disclosure?

A whistleblower disclosure is a report made by someone who has reasonable grounds to suspect serious wrongdoing in aged care services, such as abuse, neglect, unsafe practices, fraud, or breaches of the Aged Care Act 2024.

A whistleblower disclosure is different from a routine complaint, and is protected under the Act.

Who can make a whistleblower disclosure?

Anyone can make a protected whistleblower disclosure, including clients, family members, carers, staff, volunteers, advocates, and members of the community, provided they have reasonable grounds to suspect a breach of the Aged Care Act 2024.

What is the difference between a complaint and a whistleblower disclosure?

A complaint usually relates to dissatisfaction with a service and seeks a response or resolution.

A whistleblower disclosure concerns suspected serious misconduct or breaches of the Aged Care Act 2024 and attracts specific legal protections.

Individuals can choose whether their concern is handled as a complaint or a whistleblower disclosure if eligible.

Can I remain anonymous when making a disclosure?

Yes. You may choose to remain anonymous before, during, and after an investigation.

You can also use a pseudonym and are not required to provide identifying information.

Council will take reasonable steps to protect your identity and confidentiality.

What protections do whistleblowers receive?

Whistleblowers are protected from victimisation, retaliation, bullying, disciplinary action, dismissal, demotion, or other personal detriment.

Their identity must remain confidential unless disclosure is authorised by law or necessary for safety reasons.

What happens after I make a whistleblower disclosure?

The Whistleblower Officer will assess the disclosure to determine whether it qualifies for protection.

If appropriate, an investigation will be conducted, and the whistleblower will receive updates about the progress and outcome of the matter where possible.

What if someone makes a false or malicious disclosure?

The policy requires disclosures to be based on reasonable grounds.

Knowingly making a false, malicious, or unfounded report is considered a serious breach of policy and may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

What support does Council provide to whistleblowers?

Council will:

  • manage disclosures promptly
  • protect the whistleblower’s confidentiality
  • provide support throughout the process
  • assess and address risks of victimisation
  • keep whistleblowers informed, and
  • ensure fair treatment for everyone involved.

Contact us

Phone

9433 3111

Location

Nillumbik Shire Council
32 Civic Drive
Greensborough
3088
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