Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, joined members of the Crossbench to discuss his motion in the House of Representatives concerning the Federal Government’s ongoing prosecution of whistleblowers, David McBride and Richard Boyle.
“I attempted to move a motion calling on the Federal Government to immediately drop the charges against Mr McBride and Mr Boyle,” Mr Wilkie said. “Unfortunately my calls were dismissed and the Government continues its dogged prosecution of these two brave whistleblowers.
“Mr McBride revealed shocking war crimes in Afghanistan, while Mr Boyle revealed appalling practices inside the Australian Taxation Office. They undeniably acted in the public interest and should be celebrated, not prosecuted. That the Government refuses to drop the charges against them makes a mockery of their claim of providing greater protections for whistleblowers.
“This is about doing the right thing, so I call on the Prime Minister and the Attorney-General to listen to the Australian community and drop the charges. Unless they do it seems to me like business as usual where those speaking truth to power are shut down, as much to punish them as to deter other people who would speak up.”