Frequently Asked Questions


What is the Salmat Whistleblower Hotline?

The Salmat Whistleblower Hotline is an independent and confidential service available to receive information relating to improper conduct, unlawful or unethical behaviour and supports Salmat’s values and Workplace Conduct and Performance policy.

What can be reported?

Any breaches of the Workplace Conduct and Performance policy, related policies, and issues that may adversely affect Salmat.This may include any criminal offence, breach of legal obligation, unsafe behaviour, harassment or bullying. (See ‘Doing the Right Thing’ policy for full details)

Why is Salmat introducing this service?

Salmat believes that all employees and other stakeholders should be able to assist in ensuring Salmat maintains its status as a leader of integrity in business. Salmat already has a Whistleblowing facility in place but is transferring the operation of that facility to STOPline to provide better accessibility and a range of reporting options for employees.  The move means that disclosures will be handled by a completely independent third party, underlining Salmat’s commitment to preserving your anonymity (if you choose) and the confidentiality of any disclosures.   Salmat 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?

Salmat 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. Details of how you can make contact are listed below.

Who is STOPline?

STOPline is an Australian company which specialises in providing integrity/whistleblowing services. It has been operating for over 10 years and assists listed and private companies and local, state and Commonwealth public sector bodies. 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 be overt. If you do not wish to remain anonymous, this information may be provided to the Disclosure Officer at Salmat.  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. Some legislation (e.g. Corporations Act in Australia) will only provide legislative protection if the caller identifies themselves.  STOPline can assist at the time of your contact.

If I make a complaint regarding suspected misconduct, how will I be protected?

Salmat 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.  Salmat has appointed STOPline to enhance confidentiality and anonymity within Salmat with respect to Whistleblower procedures.

How does the STOPline work?

STOPline enables employees and contractors 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 (and  anonymously if you wish) and provide the confidential information to the Disclosure Officer at Salmat.  The program then places procedural requirements on dealing with and finalising the outcome of the disclosure.

Who and what is the Disclosure Officer?

A person within Salmat is responsible for ensuring that all serious complaints are handled appropriately. The Disclosure Officer is responsible for Salmat’s role in managing disclosures and being the contact point for both STOPline and the Salmat Board. That person is the Manager – Risk & Assurance.

When should I contact the STOPline?

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

At what time can I contact the STOPline?

You can telephone the STOPline on 1300 30 45 50 (in Australia) or +61 3 9811 3275 (overseas – reverse charges) during business hours (0800 – 2000 Mon – Fri AEST) to speak with a trained STOPline interviewer.  Any messages left will be responded to within one working day. You can also send your disclosure via the internet, 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.  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 report, am I liable in anyway?

Where a person who makes a disclosure is implicated in the misconduct, Salmat will use all reasonable efforts to protect the individual from reprisals; however the act of reporting improper conduct may not shield the person from the reasonable consequences flowing from any involvement in serious misconduct.

Where else can I obtain information about Workplace Conduct and Performance and related Policies?

Full details are available on Salmat’s intranet site.

How do I make contact with the STOPline?

 

Method Contact Details
Telephone:         1300 30 45 50 (for Australia)
+61 3 9811 3275 (overseas – reverse charges)
Mail:     Salmat Case Manager
C/O The STOPline,
LOCKED BAG 8
HAWTHORN  VIC  AUSTRALIA 3122
Email: [email protected]
Facsimile Salmat Case Manager
C/O The STOPline
+61 3 9882 4480
Website www.rightthing.stoplinereport.com
What other avenues do people have to complain about behaviour?

Salmat encourages all staff to raise concerns firstly with their managers.  The Doing the Right thing policy and STOPline are not meant to replace the normal means via managers of addressing any concerns about illegal or unethical conduct.  However, if you are not comfortable with normal communication channels, then STOPline is available. Contact persons and relevant policies are identified below.

Complaints and Grievance Summary Guide

Problem

Initial Contact

Other Options

Policy

Improper ConductSuspected Misconduct Supervisor or Manager Group Manager – Risk & Audit
Head of People and Culture
STOPline
Doing the Right Thing Policy
Workplace Conduct and Performance Policy
Workplace conflicts or grievances Supervisor or Manager People and Culture Reps
STOPline
Enterprise Bargaining Agreement & related policies
Equal Opportunity concerns Supervisor or Manager People and Culture Reps
STOPline
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
EEO Legislation
Workplace Health & Safety Supervisor or Manager People and Culture Reps
STOPline
Work Health and Safety Policy
WHS Legislation