Sunday marked World Whistleblower Day. Unfortunately for whistleblowers in Australia, our weak laws and ongoing prosecutions offer little room for optimism on such a day.
In May, David McBride was imprisoned for nearly six years for leaking documents to the ABC that led to the landmark Afghan Files reporting. And last week, tax office whistleblower Richard Boyle lost his appeal for immunity from prosecution under federal whistleblowing laws. Barring an appeal to the High Court, Boyle will face trial in September — and the prospect of years in jail if convicted (he has pleaded not guilty).
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