Albanese government to consider further whistleblower protections amid calls for ‘robust’ dedicated authority

Attorney general Mark Dreyfus’s consultation paper says whistleblowers shouldn’t conduct their own investigations but says safeguards could be considered for certain cases. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

The federal government will consider whether whistleblowers should be protected for gathering evidence before disclosing possible wrongdoing, amid criticisms existing laws are not doing enough.

The need for a standalone whistleblower protection authority, and a financial reward system for those coming forward, are also issues up for consideration shortly before Christmas.