The role of whistleblowing in building integrity in the Aged Care sector
By 2050, a quarter of the Australian population will be over 65 and dependent on a sector already stretched to capacity. Resource and funding constraints increases the risks of poor treatment and health outcomes for those in Aged Care, and those persons who identify these risks will require safe and protected means to report to the appropriate stakeholders.
The need for a framework to protect potential whistleblowers has been recognised by the Australian government and as a result, from November 2025, the Aged Care Act 2024 has been amended to require, every aged care provider in Australia to implement a formal, secure whistleblowing system it’s not a nice-to-have, it’s a condition of registration.
Why this shift matters
One of the key findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was that fear of reprisal was silencing staff and families from reporting their concerns. The Royal Commission found that many witnessed poor care but stayed silent, unsure if speaking up would make a difference, or cost them their job.
The new rights-based Aged Care Act changes this… It’s designed around people, not providers. It recognises that transparency isn’t just a compliance requirement; it’s a moral one.
What providers must do
Section 165 of the Act now requires every registered provider to maintain a whistleblowing policy and reporting system that’s accessible, secure and confidential. That includes anonymous reporting channels, whether a hotline or a digital platform, integrated with complaints and incident management processes.
The definition of who can report has also expanded. It now includes employees, residents, family members, advocates, contractors and even governing body members. Under sections 547 to 550, anonymity and confidentiality are protected by law, with civil and criminal penalties for breaches.
What this means for leaders
For boards and executives, the stakes are high. Directors and “responsible persons” now face personal liability for failing to uphold whistleblower protections, including penalties up to $165,000 for serious breaches. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission can also issue banning orders and conduct unannounced inspections for non-compliance.
This isn’t just regulatory reform. It’s a culture shift, from silence to safety, from compliance to integrity.
How do Veresure and Veremark support this change?
At Veresure, integrity is at the core of everything we do. We believe protecting people who speak up protects the organisations that serve them.
That’s why Veremark, our trusted partner, provides end-to-end whistleblowing technology and advisory solutions tailored for the aged care sector, from secure anonymous reporting platforms to expert triage, training and program design. Together, we help providers turn compliance into confidence and legislation into leadership.
Speak to us to find out how we can ensure your organisation meets the new standards and how we can strengthen integrity across your care network. Contact us for more information.
