Media release

30 March 2000

Whistleblower legislation ignores select committee recommendations

Employers' Federation Chief Executive Anne Knowles says the select committee process has been given little weight in the passing of the Protected Disclosures Act.

"The Government has restored private sector provisions to the legislation contrary to the select committee's original recommendations, without consulting those who will be most affected.

"Some provisions of the Protected Disclosures Act could allow a disaffected employee, motivated by malice, to cause great damage to a business," Ms Knowles said.

"Private sector employers, when this legislation first came out, submitted strongly that coverage should not apply to the private sector. The select committee listened to those submissions and produced a report that accepted those views as valid.

"It is concerning that this Government has now unilaterally overturned that select committee finding without giving the parties another opportunity to comment. As with the ACC legislation, the select committee process has been given little weight," Ms Knowles said.

End

Contact Anne Knowles 04 4994111 or 021 425868 Kathryn Asare 04 4994111

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