Whistleblower Policy

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Advice Education & Visa Services
Last updated: 29/11/2025

Advice Education & Visa Services (“AEVS”) is committed to the highest standards of ethical behaviour, transparency, and integrity.
This Whistleblower Policy ensures that employees, contractors, partners, and clients can safely report misconduct, wrongdoing, or unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation.

1. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Encourage the reporting of genuine concerns

  • Protect individuals who raise concerns in good faith

  • Ensure all allegations are handled promptly, confidentially, and fairly

  • Promote a culture of honesty and accountability

  • Prevent unethical, illegal, or unsafe practices within the organisation

2. Who Does This Policy Apply To?

This policy applies to:

  • All employees (full-time, part-time, casual)

  • Directors and management

  • Contractors and consultants

  • Overseas agents

  • Volunteers and interns

  • Former staff members

  • Clients or suppliers who wish to report issues

3. What Can Be Reported? (Reportable Conduct)

Whistleblowers may report any of the following:

3.1 Misconduct or Illegal Activity

  • Fraud or financial misconduct

  • Theft, misuse, or mismanagement of company resources

  • Bribery or corruption

  • Criminal activity

3.2 Unethical or Improper Behaviour

  • Dishonest or misleading conduct

  • Violations of company policies

  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest

  • Falsifying documents

3.3 Safety or Welfare Concerns

  • Child safety concerns (including under-18 clients)

  • Threats to health or safety

  • Negligence

3.4 Discrimination or Harassment

  • Bullying

  • Sexual harassment

  • Racism

  • Abuse of power

3.5 Breach of Privacy

  • Misuse of personal information

  • Unauthorised data disclosure

3.6 Modern Slavery or Exploitation

  • Forced labour

  • Coercion

  • Deceptive recruitment practices

Reports may be made even if the whistleblower is unsure whether the conduct is illegal — honesty and good intention are sufficient.

4. Reporting Procedures

Individuals can report concerns through any of the following confidential channels:

4.1 Internal Contacts

Director – Shreehari Nepal
📧 director@adviceeducation.com
📞 (03) 9900 0889

4.2 General Whistleblower Email

📧 whistleblower@adviceeducation.com 

4.3 Anonymous Reporting

Reports may be made anonymously through:

  • Website contact form

  • Anonymous email

  • Written letter

AEVS will still investigate the concern when sufficient information is provided.

5. Confidentiality & Protection

AEVS guarantees the following protections to all whistleblowers:

5.1 Confidentiality

  • All reports are handled with strict confidentiality

  • Whistleblower identity will not be disclosed without consent

5.2 Protection From Retaliation

Whistleblowers are protected from:

  • Dismissal

  • Demotion

  • Harassment

  • Discrimination

  • Threats or intimidation

5.3 Fair Treatment

Individuals named in a report will also be treated fairly until investigations conclude.

6. How Reports Are Investigated

Once a report is received:

Step 1: Acknowledgement

Within 2–3 business days, unless anonymous.

Step 2: Assessment

The Director or appointed investigator will:

  • Assess the seriousness of the claim

  • Determine investigation steps

  • Assign an internal or external investigator if necessary

Step 3: Investigation

This may include:

  • Interviews

  • Document review

  • System audits

  • Partner or staff statements

Step 4: Outcome

A written outcome will be provided (unless anonymous):

  • Substantiated → corrective actions taken

  • Unsubstantiated → documented and closed

  • Further action → external authority referral

Step 5: Corrective Action

May include:

  • Disciplinary action

  • Termination

  • Policy updates

  • Reporting to authorities

7. External Reporting Options

If internal reporting is not appropriate, whistleblowers may contact:

  • Fair Work Ombudsman

  • Department of Home Affairs (for migration-related misconduct)

  • Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) (privacy breaches)

  • Victoria Police or federal authorities

  • Education provider compliance officers

AEVS supports lawful reporting to external agencies.

8. False or Malicious Reports

Deliberately false or malicious allegations may result in disciplinary action.
However, reports made in good faith, even if not proven, are fully protected.

9. Roles & Responsibilities

Management

  • Promote a safe reporting environment

  • Ensure confidentiality

  • Act on issues promptly

Staff

  • Maintain ethical behaviour

  • Report concerns responsibly

Director

  • Oversee policy implementation

  • Ensure fair investigation

  • Address systemic issues

10. Policy Review

This Whistleblower Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure alignment with:

  • Australian best practices

  • Workplace safety and integrity standards

  • Laws and regulations related to whistleblower protections

Updates will be published on the website.

11. Statement of Commitment

Advice Education & Visa Services is committed to maintaining:

  • Transparency

  • Integrity

  • Safety

  • Accountability

  • Ethical operations

We strongly encourage the reporting of any behaviour that undermines these values.

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