Exploring the Risks and Protections
UNSW Sydney will host a public forum titled ‘Whistleblowers: In Defence of Truth’ on 16th June 2026. This event aims to shed light on the crucial role of whistleblowers in maintaining democracy and the substantial legal risks they encounter.
Lenore Taylor, a former editor at Guardian Australia, will facilitate the discussions. Participants will examine issues related to secrecy, surveillance, and the challenges whistleblowers face when exposing misconduct.
Kieran Pender, the Associate Legal Director at the Human Rights Law Centre, will be a key speaker. Gabriel Shipton, founder of The Information Rights Project and brother of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, will also participate.
The forum will include testimony from a whistleblower who revealed misconduct within the prison system, illustrating both personal and professional risks involved.
As the international debate over whistleblower protections intensifies, this discussion will provide insights into who bears the cost of speaking out and the implications for democracy.
Event Details
The session will occur in the Tyree Room, John Niland Scientia Building, G19 Library Rd, UNSW Kensington. Scheduled from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm on 16th June 2026, the event promises to offer a deep dive into the subject.
As global discussions on whistleblower protections and government transparency become more pressing, this forum seeks to highlight the consequences for those who speak out and the effects on democratic institutions.
For media passes and further information, contact Todd Eichorn at 0431 251 335 or email [email protected] Alternatively, reach out to Ashleigh Steele at 0421 308 805 or email [email protected]
This event, presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas, features Australia’s leading voices on whistleblower protections. From WikiLeaks and government secrecy to prison system misconduct, the forum will cover a wide range of critical topics.
Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the stakes involved in whistleblowing and the broader impact on public-interest journalism and government accountability.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:59 am
