Whistleblower Policy
At Mineral Mining Services (MMS), we are committed to upholding the highest ethical and legal standards in all our operations. To achieve this, it’s vital that everyone within and connected to MMS feels secure in reporting any conduct that falls short of these standards.
MMS provides several avenues for you to raise concerns about unacceptable behaviour. We encourage you to initially discuss potential reporting options with your Site Manager, HSEQT Advisor, or a member of the Perth Head Office. Often, speaking directly with one of these individuals is the most effective way to address and resolve concerns promptly.
However, we understand that there may be instances where individuals feel more comfortable reporting matters confidentially or anonymously, or where they may have concerns about potential repercussions for speaking up. In such cases, our Whistleblower Hotline offers a valuable alternative.
Who is eligible to be a whistleblower at MMS?
You are eligible to utilise the MMS Whistleblower Hotline if you are:
- A current or former MMS employee.
- An employee of a current or former MMS contractor or supplier.
- A relative or dependant of either of the above.
What kind of concerns can be reported?
In accordance with relevant Australian legislation, you can report information via the Whistleblower Hotline if you have reasonable grounds to suspect that the information concerns:
- Misconduct, or an improper state of affairs or circumstances within MMS. This could include a breach of MMS policies or procedures.
- A breach of specific financial Acts as outlined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by someone at MMS.
- Conduct by someone at MMS that constitutes an offence against any other Commonwealth law punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or more.
- Conduct by someone at MMS that represents a danger to the public or the financial system.
Even if your concern doesn’t strictly fall within these categories, we still encourage you to use the Whistleblower Hotline to raise it. Your feedback is important to us.
How do I make a report through the Whistleblower Hotline?
To ensure confidentiality and impartiality, the MMS Whistleblower avenues are directly monitored by the Perth Head Office.
The dedicated Whistleblower Hotline number is 0418 515 188.
You can also submit your concerns via email to [email protected].
These contact methods are accessible to all workers. For ease of access, the phone number is displayed on the MMS Company Website and is included in our company induction processes. The dedicated email address provides an additional secure channel for reporting.
Can I report something confidentially or anonymously?
Yes. The Whistleblower Hotline and dedicated email address are specifically designed to allow for confidential and anonymous reporting. While providing contact information can assist us in gathering further details and conducting a more thorough investigation, we respect your choice to remain anonymous. Please be aware that anonymous reporting may, in some cases, make it more challenging to fully investigate the matter. However, we are committed to addressing all concerns raised to the best of our ability.
What protections are available to whistleblowers?
Australian law provides important protections for eligible whistleblowers. If you qualify for these protections, MMS is legally obligated to ensure that:
- Your identity (and any information that could reasonably lead to your identification) is not disclosed to anyone without your express consent.
- You do not face any detriment as a result of making a disclosure. Detriment can include actions such as dismissal, demotion, hindering career progression, harassment, intimidation, or any other form of adverse treatment related to your employment.
In very limited circumstances, MMS may be legally required to disclose your identity to regulatory bodies such as ASIC or the Australian Federal Police. Should such a situation arise, we would discuss it with you first.
You may also have the right to seek compensation through the courts if you suffer loss or damage due to a breach of whistleblower protection laws.
How will my report be handled?
Any concerns reported through the Whistleblower Hotline or dedicated email address will be carefully reviewed by designated personnel at the Perth Head Office. They will assess the information provided to determine the appropriate course of action, which may include an internal review or a more formal investigation.
We are committed to handling all reports with discretion and impartiality. While we may not always be able to disclose the specific details or outcomes of an investigation due to confidentiality or other considerations, we will endeavour to provide feedback where appropriate and where contact details have been provided.
What if I have questions about the Whistleblower Hotline?
Should you have any questions about the Whistleblower Hotline, the dedicated email address, their usage, or the protections available to whistleblowers, please do not hesitate to reach out for further clarification. You can contact the HSEQT Department directly for more information.
We encourage you to utilise these important avenues as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and ethical workplace at Mineral Mining Services. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us identify and address any potential issues promptly and effectively.