Whistle-blower legislation gets go-ahead

The proposed whistle-blower legislation moved closer to implementation yesterday after it was given the green light by members of the Senate.

The bill, which provides protection for employees who give information on wrongdoing, originated in the Senate and was sent to the Lower House where 12 amendments were made.

Senators approved the amendments after some interesting exchanges.

The temperature started to rise after Opposition Senator Mark Golding questioned two of the amendments.

Golding focused on the amendments to Clause 10, which deals with the designated authority to which an employee can make a disclosure.

"I think that 10 should be simplified because this is really for the employees. This legislation is to protect the employees, and I don't think the protective provisions should be too complicated," Golding said.

The response came from government senator, Kamina Johnson.

While accepting that the legislation was not perfect, Johnson argued that it would need review and changes shortly.