Opened the debate
Wilkie moved the second reading of the bill, arguing that three years had passed without meaningful government reform to protect whistleblowers. Wilkie contended that the National Anti-Corruption Commission would be undermined without effective protections that give people confidence to raise allegations. Wilkie cited several historical examples, including Toni Hoffman and Richard Boyle, to demonstrate that current laws fail to protect those who expose wrongdoing, with some facing prison sentences. Wilkie proposed the establishment of an independent authority with a commissioner and advisory board to provide support, investigate mistreatment, and enforce protections. Wilkie stated the bill was drafted with expert consultation and called for cross-party collaboration to pass it.