07 3357 59461. Purpose
Life Australia Pty Ltd is committed to conducting all business activities ethically, lawfully, safely, and transparently. This Speak Up & Whistleblower Policy provides a safe, confidential, and protected mechanism for workers, contractors, and other eligible persons to raise concerns about suspected unlawful, unethical, unsafe, or improper conduct.
Life Australia encourages open communication and accountability. Individuals who raise genuine concerns will be protected from retaliation, victimisation, or adverse treatment.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- Directors and senior management
- Cleaning staff, supervisors, team leaders
- Security officers, patrol officers, control room operators
- Facilities management personnel
- Contractors, subcontractors, labour-hire workers
- Volunteers, trainees, and job applicants
- Any person performing work for or on behalf of Life Australia
This policy covers concerns relating to both Cleaning & Security Service operations.
3. What Can Be Reported?
Concerns may include, but are not limited to:
a. Unlawful or Criminal Conduct
- Theft, fraud, corruption
- Bribery, improper payments, kickbacks
- Misuse of client property or company assets
- Deliberate damage or sabotage
b. Serious Misconduct
- Falsification of records, timesheets, payroll information
- Serious breaches of company policy or procedures
- Serious conflicts of interest
- Unauthorised disclosure of confidential or client information
c. Safety, Environmental & Operational Risks
- Serious breaches of WHS requirements
- Unsafe work practices
- Environmental harm, chemical spills, improper waste disposal
- Security breaches, access-control failures, patrol misconduct
d. Ethical & Human Rights Concerns
- Exploitation, forced labour, modern slavery
- Bullying, harassment, discrimination
- Abuse of authority or position
e. Conduct Causing Significant Harm
Actions that may cause financial, legal, safety, environmental, or reputational harm to Life Australia or its clients.
Deliberately false or malicious allegations may be treated as misconduct.
Deliberately false or malicious allegations may be treated as misconduct.
4. Policy Statement
Life Australia encourages all workers to speak up when they reasonably believe that serious wrongdoing has occurred, is occurring, or may occur.
No person will be disadvantaged, dismissed, threatened, or subjected to detrimental treatment for making a genuine report under this policy. Life Australia is committed to:
- Protecting individuals who raise concerns
- Ensuring fair, objective, and confidential investigations
- Taking corrective action where required
- Maintaining a culture of integrity and accountability
5. Reporting Channels
Individuals may report concerns through any of the following channels:
a. Internal Reporting
Managing Director / Director – Life Australia
Email: info@lifeaustralia.com.au Phone: +61 7 3357 5946
b. Alternative Internal Reporting
Where the concern involves a manager or supervisor, reports may be made.
- Senior Management
- Human Resources
- Compliance Manager
c. External Reporting (Where Appropriate)
Individuals may also report matters to:
- Queensland Police Service
- Fair Work Ombudsman
- Office of Industrial Relations
- Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (privacy breaches)
- ASIAL (security industry matters)
External reporting should be used where legally required or where internal reporting is not appropriate.
6. Confidentiality
Life Australia will take reasonable steps to protect:
- The confidentiality of the report
- The identity of the person making the report
- Sensitive information relating to the investigation
Information will only be disclosed:
- To persons with a legitimate need to know
- Where required by law
- Where necessary for a fair and proper investigation
- With the consent of the person making the report
All records will be stored securely and handled in accordance with privacy and data-protection requirements.
7. Investigation Process
Reports will be assessed promptly and investigated objectively and impartially. Investigations may include:
- Reviewing documents, records, and operational logs
- Interviewing relevant persons
- Examining CCTV footage, access-control logs, patrol records
- Reviewing cleaning schedules, timesheets, or site instructions
- Obtaining independent advice where necessary
- Implementing corrective or disciplinary action
The person making the report will receive acknowledgement and, where legally permissible, information about the outcome.
8. Protection Against Retaliation
Retaliation, victimisation, intimidation, or adverse treatment against a person who makes a genuine report is strictly prohibited.
Examples of retaliation include:
- Dismissal or demotion
- Reduction in hours or shifts
- Threats or intimidation
- Harassment or discrimination
- Unfair treatment or exclusion
Any suspected retaliation must be reported immediately and may result in disciplinary action.
9. Records & Documentation
All records relating to reports, investigations, and outcomes will be:
- Stored securely
- Restricted to authorised personnel
- Maintained in accordance with privacy, legal, and record-retention requirements
- Reviewed periodically to ensure compliance
10. Training & Awareness
Life Australia will ensure:
- All employees receive training on this policy during induction
- Supervisors and managers understand their responsibilities
- Contractors and subcontractors are informed of reporting mechanisms
- Regular communication reinforces the importance of speaking up
11. Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed:
- At least annually
- When legislation changes
- When organisational practices or operations change
- As part of ISO management system reviews
Updates will be approved by senior management.
