CURA Whistleblowing Policy

This policy exists to support high standards of care and safeguard the wellbeing of individuals receiving government-funded aged care services from Cura In-home Care (‘Cura’).

Cura maintains a formal whistleblower framework that enables individuals to report concerns confidentially and without fear of reprisal.

All disclosures are managed in a manner that is impartial, transparent, accessible, culturally respectful, and responsive. Information raised through this process is valued and used to strengthen systems and promote ongoing service improvement.

LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
Aged Care Act 2024
Aged Care Rules 2025

DEFINITIONS

whistleblower: any person, including employees, contractors, volunteers, clients, or family members, who reports information on reasonable grounds that an aged care provider or worker has breached legislation, engaged in unlawful conduct, or acted improperly.

Individuals who make eligible disclosures are entitled to protections against retaliation, discrimination, or other adverse treatment.

worker: a person is a worker if the person carries out work in any capacity for a person conducting a business or undertaking, including work as:

an employee; or
a contractor or subcontractor; or
an employee of a contractor or subcontractor; or
an employee of a labour hire company who has been assigned to work in the person’s business or undertaking; or
an outworker; or
an apprentice or trainee; or
a student gaining work experience; or
a volunteer; or a person of a prescribed class.

POLICY

Cura is dedicated to maintaining strong ethical standards, accountability, openness, and integrity across all areas of operation, including the provision of home care services. Cura fosters a workplace culture where team members feel confident and supported to raise concerns if they believe their rights are compromised or if they observe inappropriate conduct, unsafe practices, or unethical behaviour.

Cura will:

Protect individuals who report concerns from harassment, intimidation, victimisation, or any other disadvantage resulting from their disclosure.
Provide access to anonymous reporting through an independent external provider. Individuals may choose not to reveal their identity. Identities will not be disclosed without consent unless legally required (for example, where required by law or regulatory investigation). Anonymous reports will be assessed and investigated as far as reasonably possible.
Treat individuals who choose to identify themselves fairly and respectfully throughout the process.

If a Cura worker wishes to raise a concern, this can be done through a secure online reporting platform administered by EAP Assist, an independent third-party service provider. Through this platform, workers may:

Lodge a report at any time.
Remain anonymous or provide their contact details.
Upload relevant documents or evidence securely.
Receive updates and communicate confidentially through the external portal.

Whistleblowing reporting link https://eapassist.com.au/whistleblower-report/

External Reporting Options

If a worker prefers not to report internally, or believes internal processes are inappropriate or inconsistent with legislative requirements, disclosures may be made directly to the relevant external authority, including:

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for matters relating to care delivery, safety, or provider compliance.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission for concerns involving corporate governance or financial misconduct.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority for issues involving prudential or financial regulatory obligations.
The Fair Work Ombudsman for employment-related matters.

Management of Disclosures

All reports will be handled promptly and appropriately through the following process:

Acknowledgement: The whistleblower will receive confirmation of receipt via the external reporting platform.
Preliminary Review: The external provider will conduct an initial review of the disclosure and refer the matter to the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Management Committee as appropriate.
Investigation: A fair, thorough, and unbiased investigation will be undertaken. Where necessary, an independent investigator may be appointed. If the whistleblower has remained anonymous, communication may occur through the external portal. If they have disclosed their identity, contact may occur directly with their consent.
Outcome and Action: Findings will be formally recorded, and appropriate corrective or disciplinary action will be implemented where required. The whistleblower will be informed of the outcome where appropriate and legally permissible.

All matters will be addressed as efficiently as possible, ensuring procedural fairness.

Policy Review

This policy will undergo review at least once every 12 months, or sooner if triggered by:

CURA Whistleblowing Policy

About CURA

LATEST NEWS