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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Speak Up @ AVI?

Speak Up @ AVI, hosted by Stopline, is an independent and confidential service available to receive information relating to improper conduct, unlawful or unethical behaviour and supports AVI’s values and Code of Conduct.

What can be reported?

Any breaches of the Code of Conduct, related policies, and issues that may adversely affect AVI. This may include any criminal offence, breach of legal obligation, unsafe behaviour, harassment or bullying.

Why is AVI introducing the service?

AVI believes that all employees and other stakeholders should be able to assist in ensuring AVI maintains its status as an ethical organisation. AVI is adopting best practice in this aspect of corporate governance and will be compliant with international and Australian corporate governance standards.

How do I make a report?
AVI has engaged an independent consultant to manage the receipt, recording and reporting of serious misconduct. Stopline is an independent, confidential and impartial conduit for information that enables the reporting of corrupt or improper conduct. Stopline has people experienced in handling sensitive information from stakeholders.
Who is Stopline?
Stopline is an Australian company which specialises in providing integrity/whistleblowing services. It has been operating for over a decade and assists listed and private companies; local, state and Commonwealth public sector bodies and not-for-profit organisations. Further details are available at www.stopline.com.au
Do I have to give my name?

No. Your call to Stopline can, if you wish, be anonymous and the staff of Stopline will not ask for any personal details. You may volunteer the information anonymously to Stopline if you desire or you can provide your name and personal details. If you do not wish to remain anonymous, this information may be provided to the Disclosure Officer at AVI. If you choose to remain anonymous Stopline will issue a confidential reference and password should you wish to seek the status of your disclosure at some later date. 

If I make a complaint regarding suspected misconduct, how will I be protected?
AVI is committed to the protection of genuine Whistleblowers against action taken in reprisal for the making of protected disclosures. Maintaining confidentiality is a crucial component of this protection. All disclosures will be treated with a high level of confidentiality. AVI has appointed Stopline to enhance confidentiality and anonymity within AVI with respect to Whistleblower procedures.
How does Stopline work?
Stopline enables employees, contractors and stakeholders to report in good faith, suspected misconduct via telephone, email, internet, facsimile or mail, to an independent organisation with trained staff who will receive your concerns confidentially (anonymously if you wish) and provide the confidential information to the Disclosure Officer at AVI. The program then places procedural requirements on dealing with and finalising the outcome of the disclosure.
Who and what is a Disclosure Officer?

A person within AVI who is responsible for ensuring that all serious complaints are handled appropriately. The Disclosure Officer is responsible for AVI’s role in managing disclosures and being the contact point for both Stopline and AVI.

All complaints may be made directly to the Disclosure Officers.
AVI’s Disclosure Officers are:

Fiona McDonald
Manager, People and Culture
[email protected]
t: +61 3 9279 1714 | m: +61 468 511 907

Bruce Morrison
Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]
t: +61 3 9279 1736 | m: +61 408 146 397

 

If the complaint is about the Disclosure Officers the complaint will be directed to the CEO; or you can contact the CEO directly

Mel Gow
CEO
[email protected]
t: +613 9279 1701

 

If a complaint is made about the CEO the complaint will be directed to the Chair of the Governance Committee, Martine Letts.

When should I contact Stopline?

You can contact the Stopline when you have knowledge of any fraudulent, corrupt, unlawful or unethical conduct by an employee, contractor, volunteer, and/or stakeholder.

At what time can I contact Stopline?

You can telephone the Stopline on 1300 30 45 50 (in Australia) or +61 3 9811 3275 (Outside Australia) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  A Stopline investigator will answer your call during business hours (0800 – 1800 Mon – Fri AEST).  Any messages left with our overnight team will be responded to within one working day. You can also send your disclosure via the internet (this website), email, facsimile or mail.

As an employee, how do I know that somebody won't just make some false claim to settle a personal grudge?
The strength of Stopline is that all allegations will be professionally managed by trained Stopline staff. The experience of Stopline is that vexatious calls occur very infrequently. Stopline focuses on the message, not the messenger. The Disclosure Officer may decline to investigate the matter if satisfied that the disclosure is trivial, frivolous or vexatious.
Will I be kept informed about the result of making a report?
Yes. You will be kept advised about the status of the report, decisions made regarding how the matter is to be handled, timeframes that apply and the result of any investigation and action taken. If you choose to remain anonymous, you will be issued with a confidential reference and password and must initiate contact through one of the methods above to receive feedback.
If I make a disclosure about an incident, and I am involved in the incident, could I also get in trouble or be investigated?

If you make a disclosure about an incident and you are involved in some way, you may need to answer questions as part of an investigation where your answers will be on record. It is against the law to be discriminated against or victimised for making a complaint where you have reasonable grounds to make one. AVI will protect you from recriminations or from being victimised or treated negatively as a consequence of any legitimate concerns or reports that you make. However, during an investigation if there is evidence that you have engaged in wrongdoing you may have to participate in a performance management process, depending on the seriousness of the incident. The nature of the wrongdoing and the circumstances around it will determine the outcomes for yourself and others involved. In these circumstances your openness, honesty and transparency in providing information will be very important and you will be supported with a procedurally fair and transparent process where the principles of natural justice will be followed.

Where else can I obtain information about Speak Up @ AVI?

Full details are available on AVI’s M Drive – M:\People and Culture\Public

If you would like to speak with anybody further about the service you can talk to one of the Disclosure Officers or the CEO
AVI Disclosure Officers are:

Fiona McDonald
Manager, People and Culture
[email protected]
t: +61 3 9279 1714 | m: +61 468 511 907

Bruce Morrison
Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]
t: +61 3 9279 1736 | m: +61 408 146 397

 

If the complaint is about the Disclosure Officers the complaint will be directed to the CEO; or you can contact the CEO directly

Mel Gow
CEO
[email protected]
t: +613 9279 1701