Coalition Government Criticized for Rejecting Whistleblower Protection in Audit Bill

The Coalition Government is facing criticism after rejecting whistleblower protection provisions in the proposed Audit Bill, raising concerns about its commitment to transparency and accountability, according to Member of Parliament Premila Kumar.

Kumar emphasized that whistleblower protection is a crucial safeguard in exposing corruption, mismanagement, and the abuse of public funds. She stated that such provisions are necessary to protect individuals who report wrongdoing, ensuring they are not punished or silenced for speaking out.

"The government's refusal to include whistleblower protections in the Audit Bill significantly weakens the fight against corruption and sends a clear message that it is not serious about safeguarding taxpayers' money," Kumar said.

She further argued that without legal protections, potential whistleblowers may fear retaliation, ultimately discouraging them from reporting misconduct within government institutions.

The rejection of these provisions has sparked concerns among opposition members and civil society groups, who warn that it could undermine public confidence in the government's ability to hold officials accountable.