Alex White (Labour)

I indicated last night when the Labour Party whistleblower amendment was moved that I was prepared to withdraw it on the basis that the Government's amendment was progressive. I welcome it. The Minister has acknowledged that the amendment is a response to concerns raised by my party and others in the Lower House in respect of this issue. Therefore, I welcome the amendment he has tabled in response.

I drew some distinctions between what we had proposed and what the Minister was proposing. One issue I overlooked last night but that has now come to my attention is that there is protection from civil liability but no protection from criminal liability which was contemplated in the Labour Party amendment. What is the thinking behind the Minister's decision that it would not constitute a civil wrong but that criminal liability could arise?