Courier Mail 28 May 2007When all else fails: make something up. This is the plight of the credible Whistleblower. Arrange for someone to discredit the Whistleblower. It doesn't matter who. It can be someone who doesn't even work with the Whistleblower. It could be someone from management who has never laid eyes on the Whistleblower. It could be someone with whom you work, but doesn't particularly like you. Perhaps they don't like Whistleblowers. It doesn't matter, as long as you stop the whistleblower from speaking out. Make up any allegations that will discredit the person speaking out. Anything will do - allegations of poor work performance, interpersonal communication problems, laziness or the big one - racism.
Next priority: Threaten the Whistleblower with legal letters from a high ranking legal firm. All paid for by the tax - payer, of course. If that doesn't work, threaten the Whistleblower with disciplinary action, dismissal, criminal offence or a fine of so many penalty units. That ought to shut them up. Even better still, arrange for a private company to investigate the Whistleblower. If the Whistleblower is a casual employee, make sure they receive no more work or that their hours are reduced. Even better, make sure they have the same type of trumped up allegations made against them. If all else fails: direct the Whistleblower not to speak about the matter to anyone else, as the matter is private and confidential. If a meeting has to be arranged with the Whistleblower, make sure they are not accompanied by any witnesses and that they are only presenting with one support person. Do not allow any recording devices.
Queensland Health's Code of Conduct or as some staff refer to it as: Code of Cover Up. Delay, deny, deceive, discredit and finally, DESTROY. Watch this space.
