Frequently Asked Questions
What is this Complaint Mechanism?
This complaints mechanism is run by Stopline on behalf of Catalpa. Stopline provides an independent and confidential service available to receive information relating to improper conduct, unlawful or unethical behaviour and supports Catalpa’s values and Code of Conduct.
What can be reported?
You are encouraged to report any misconduct or violations of Catalpa’s Code of Conduct, including:
- Theft, fraud and/or any other financial misconduct
- Corruption and / or nepotism
- Child Safeguarding
- Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and/or Harassment
- Bullying and / or discrimination
- Workplace safety hazards
- Material support to terrorism
- Any other Unethical behaviour or violation of policies
The kind of behaviour that you report could include an alleged criminal offence, breach of legal obligation, violations of policies or unsafe or unethical behaviour.
Who is Stopline and how does it work?
Stopline has been at the forefront of disclosure management services for over a decade and has partnered with some of Australia’s most iconic companies to assist them in demonstrating their commitment to supporting staff, contractors and other stakeholders with demonstrable best practice corporate governance initiatives.
Stopline is not part of Catalpa and is providing an independent service.
Stopline enables employees, contractors and stakeholders to report in good faith, suspected misconduct via telephone, email, internet 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 Whistleblower Protection Officer at Catalpa. The program then necessitates procedural requirements dealing with and finalising the outcome of the disclosure.
Why does Catalpa have an external whistleblower service?
Catalpa International (Catalpa) has a policy commitment to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct and professionalism in all its activities.
To help live up to that commitment, Catalpa encourages the reporting of any instance of suspected unethical, illegal, fraudulent or otherwise improper conduct involving Catalpa.
This external whistleblower service provided by Stopline makes it easier for people to report misconduct.
Do I have to report through stopline or can I speak directly with Catalpa about my concerns?
You do not have to report through Stopline. You can reach out to Catalpa directly if you prefer. Catalpa’s contact information is in the attached Whistleblowing Policy. If you reach out to Catalpa directly, you are afforded the same confidentiality and the same processes will be followed regarding fair and impartial investigations if needed.
How do I make a report to Stopline?
Catalpa 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.
On the ‘home’ page of this website you can access the various methods of making a report including the phone hotline, email or post
At what time can I contact Stopline?
You can call Stopline on 1300 30 45 50 (in 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, or mail.
Do I have to give my name if I make a report?
No. Your report 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 Whistleblower Protection Officer at Catalpa. 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?
As a Catalpa personnel, how do I know that somebody won’t just make a false claim / false report 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 reports occur very infrequently. Stopline focuses on the message, not the messenger. The Whistleblower Protection Officer may decline to investigate the matter if satisfied that the disclosure is trivial, frivolous or vexatious.
As you can see in Catalpa’s Whistleblowing Policy, anyone who knowingly makes a false report of Disclosable Matter, or who otherwise fails to act honestly with reasonable belief in respect of the report, may be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal (in the case of employees). The disciplinary action or sanction will depend on the severity, nature and circumstance of the false report.
Will I be kept informed about the result of making a report?
As much as possible, yes. You will be kept advised about the status of the report, decisions made regarding how the matter is to be handled and time frames that apply. However, Catalpa need to ensure confidentiality of any investigation in order to safeguard the process and to protect the rights of both the Whistleblower (you) and anyone alleged to have undertaken misconduct which means that no details of an active investigation can be shared until the investigation is concluded. At that stage, the end result of any investigation and action taken can be communicated to the Whistleblower.