Whistleblower Protection
If you become aware of misconduct, unethical behaviour or wrongdoing involving DANS In Home Care, we encourage you to speak up.
Reports are treated seriously and handled as confidentially as possible.
Whistleblower protection
You can report suspected misconduct or wrongdoing involving DANS In Home Care. Reports can be made verbally or in writing, and may be made anonymously.
DANS In Home Care will assess whether a report qualifies for whistleblower protection under applicable law. A report may qualify when the person making it has reasonable grounds to suspect misconduct, wrongdoing or a breach of the Aged Care Act 2024 or other applicable law.
What can be reported
A whistleblower report may concern:
- dishonest, fraudulent, corrupt or unethical conduct
- an actual or suspected breach of law
- conduct that creates an improper state of affairs
- questionable accounting or auditing practices
- conduct that may cause financial loss
- conduct inconsistent with DANS In Home Care's purpose, values or code of conduct
Personal work-related grievances may not qualify for whistleblower protection unless they involve wider misconduct or another matter protected by law.
How to make a report
You can report a concern through one of these channels:
- By post: Governance & Improvement Coordinator, DANS In Home Care, 211 Macquarie Street, Dubbo NSW 2830.
- By email: admin@dansinhomecare.com.au.
- By phone: 02 6885 6407.
- To an internal recipient: Governance & Improvement Coordinator
State that you are making a whistleblower disclosure so the report can be directed to the appropriate person.
Making an anonymous report
You may choose to remain anonymous. You do not have to provide your name when making a report.
DANS In Home Care will protect your identity and information that could identify you, subject to legal exceptions. An anonymous report can still be investigated, but anonymity may limit our ability to ask questions, provide updates or investigate some details.
What happens after a report
- Acknowledgement: We will acknowledge the report within 7 business days when contact details are available.
- Initial assessment: The responsible manager will assess the report and decide how it should be handled.
- Investigation: An appropriate and impartial person will investigate the matter where required.
- Outcome: Findings will be documented and acted on. We will provide an outcome where it is appropriate and legally permitted.
Investigations are usually completed within 30 to 60 days. Some matters may take longer because of their complexity or other exceptional circumstances.
Protection and support
DANS In Home Care does not tolerate threats, retaliation or other conduct intended to cause detriment because a person made, may make or is connected with a whistleblower disclosure.
A person will not face disciplinary action only because a report made on reasonable grounds is later found to be incorrect.
People named in a report will also be treated fairly. Investigations will follow the principles of natural justice.
External reporting options
Depending on the subject of the report, you may be able to report directly to:
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for aged care, service delivery or provider compliance concerns
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission for NDIS service delivery or provider compliance concerns
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission for corporate or financial misconduct
- Fair Work Ombudsman for workplace matters
- a police officer
- an independent aged care advocate
- a legal practitioner for advice about whistleblower protections
Different legal protections apply depending on what is reported and who receives the report. Consider obtaining independent legal advice if you are unsure which reporting option to use.