Whistle Blowing at Western Sydney University

Whistleblowing is covered by the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022. In accordance with its statutory obligations, the University has a Whistleblowing (Reporting Corruption and Other Wrongdoing) Policy and Procedures which are also designed to support those who make a report.

Anyone can make a report, including students and staff. The types of wrongdoing that can be reported are:

  • Corrupt conduct (this includes fraud, bribery, obtaining secret commissions, using one’s position to gain a financial or other advantage)
  • Maladministration
  • Serious and substantial waste of public money
  • Contravention of the Government Information (Public Interest) Act
  • Privacy contravention

If you are concerned about serious wrongdoing at the University, you can make a confidential report by emailing PID@westernsydney.edu.au or by using our reporting portal (opens in a new window).

Your report will be seen by one of the University's Disclosure Officers, who include:

  • Director, Complaints Management and Resolution, Dr Ruth Townsend
  • General Counsel and University Secretary, Mr Philip Maloney
  • Executive Director, Internal Audit and Risk, Ms Elisabeth Burn
  • Executive Director, Employment Experience, Mr Matthew Bond

Please refer to the University's List of Disclosure Officers if you wish to contact a specific Disclosure Officer.

The University takes all reports of wrongdoing seriously. Protections are available to reporters to ensure that they do not suffer detrimental action such as bullying, harassment or dismissal as a result of a report being made.

The University's controlled entities are governed by the University's whistleblowing, policy, procedures and practice. For the purposes of section 81 Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (NSW), the University has made arrangements with its controlled entities to exercise the controlled entities' public interest disclosure functions on their behalf, from 1 October 2023, as listed below:

  1. Western Growth Developments (Innovation Hub Parramatta)
  2. Western Growth Developments (Westmead) Pty Ltd
  3. Western Sydney University Early Learning Limited
  4. Western Sydney University Enterprises Pty Limited (trading as Western Sydney University The College)
  5. Western Sydney University Indonesia Yayasan Foundation
  6. Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University Limited
  7. Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University Trust

Pursuant to section 81(4)(b) Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (NSW), the University has notified the NSW Ombudsman of the arrangements.

If you have any questions, queries or concerns about making a report, please contact the University Secretary on (02) 9685 9416 or email PID@westernsydney.edu.au. All conversations will remain confidential.