Financial Crime World

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Fiji Adopts Whistleblower Protection Laws to Combat Financial Irregularities

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has taken a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability by introducing a whistleblower policy aimed at encouraging employees and external parties to report any financial irregularities, fraud, or unethical behavior within the organization.

Policy Objectives

  • Encourage employees and external parties to report suspected financial irregularities, fraud, or behaviors that are inconsistent with WAF’s practice of good corporate governance.
  • Provide a safe and secure environment for whistleblowers to come forward without fear of retaliation.

Reporting Procedures

  • The policy outlines the procedures for reporting suspected financial irregularities, including the need for substantial evidence to support allegations.
  • Investigations into all complaints received through this Policy shall be completed within a reasonable period, bearing in mind the circumstances and frequency of the alleged malpractice.

Confidentiality and Disclosure

  • WAF has emphasized that it will take all necessary steps to ensure confidentiality of the information received from whistleblowers and from the investigation carried out on the disclosure.
  • However, in certain situations, it may not be possible to resolve the matter without revealing the whistleblower’s identity.

Sanctions for Breaches

  • The policy outlines sanctions for breaches, which include disciplinary action as stipulated under WAF staff disciplinary procedures.

Benefits of the Policy

  • Strengthens WAF’s internal controls and promotes transparency and accountability.
  • Plays a crucial role in preventing financial irregularities and ensuring that the authority operates in an ethical and responsible manner.

Effective Date

The whistleblower policy was approved by the Board on May 12, 2021, and has become effective from that date.

Rewards Program for Whistleblowers

  • WAF has also established a rewards program for whistleblowers who provide information leading to significant recoveries or savings.
  • Qualifying criteria include providing sufficient and relevant information, confirming one’s identity, and filing a claim for reward.

Impact on WAF

The introduction of the whistleblower policy is seen as a major step forward in promoting transparency and accountability within WAF, and is expected to have a positive impact on the organization’s financial management and operations.