Sorry, this article is not about Australia’s brilliant Socceroos triumphing in their first match against Turkey. It is the other whistleblowing that we are focusing on today.
It has been hard to miss the news about the KPMG whistleblower. And this week, we will hear more at the Parliamentary Joint Committee. Without trying to anticipate that process and any outcomes, it is important to take stock in our own backyards.
In 2019, amendments to the Corporations Act 2001 expanded the scope of protection for whistleblowers in the private sector, introduced anonymity provisions, and imposed obligations on eligible organisations to have formal whistleblower policies.
Yet despite this, the practical effectiveness of these protections remains uneven. Past high-profile cases and parliamentary inquiries have highlighted the personal and professional risks faced by individuals who speak up, including retaliation, career damage, and legal exposure.
What can we do for our organisations?
IIA-Australia provides a range of resources to help members have access to current and practical guidance in this evolving area. in addition to the Whistleblowing Programs White Paper, we have a Whistleblowing Toolkit which provides templates and checklists to manage these processes within an organisation. Members can also join us on 23 June for Whistleblowing in Focus: What Internal Audit Needs to Know. The webinar comes at a timely moment as organisations around the world mark World Whistleblowers Day and consider the role of effective whistleblowing frameworks in strengthening governance and accountability.
As a profession, it is essential that we learn and seek foresight from the world around us. Sometimes it takes exceptional courage and resilience, but that is what sets us apart.
Here’s where the sequence returns to soccer. Those who attended SOPAC® 2026 would have heard former Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams reflect on her journey and the courage, resilience and adaptability required to perform at the highest level. Her insights resonated well beyond sport, highlighting qualities that are equally relevant in assurance and leadership. These themes will continue to shape the conversations at SOPAC® 2027 as the profession navigates an increasingly complex and rapidly changing environment.
Let’s stop own goals where we can.