Mandatory Whistleblower Policy – The New aged Care Act

Under the new Aged Care Act 2024, which came into effect on 1 November 2025, there are two major reforms that are closely connected: the mandatory whistleblower policy and the establishment of a separate Complaints Commissioner. The service providers are required to publish and implement whistleblower protection policy and procedures and appointed an Officer if required.

In this webinar we will explore:

• Purpose and scope of the mandatory whistleblower system
• Who is protected under the whistleblower provisions
• Importance of whistleblower policy alignment with complaints handling procedure
• Procedures for managing disclosures, roles and responsibilities for the boards, staff, volunteers and associate providers.
• Role and functions of the Complaints Commissioner
• Understand the legal and operational requirements for developing and maintaining a whistleblower policy that aligns with the Aged Care Act 2024.
• Q&A session

Presented by Victor Harcourt, Principal, Russell Kennedy Lawyers

Victor is a recognised senior practitioner in aged care, retirement living and disability law. With over 30 years’ experience, he is a trusted legal advisor and litigator to his clients. He practises in the regulatory compliance and public law area, as well as litigation and prosecutions.

Victor has been recognised as a preeminent Health & Aged Care Lawyer in Victoria in the 2025 Doyle’s Guide listing. He also holds a Masters in Health and Medical Law and has been consistently listed by Best Lawyers Australia for Health and Aged Care Law since 2012 – including being named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Melbourne for Health and Aged Care Law (2014) and Retirement Villages and Senior Living Law (2023). Victor has been recognised in 2014 – 2025 for his expertise in Government Practice and in Retirement Villages and Senior Living Law in 2017 – 2025.