Empowering AFL Players: Introducing Stopline's Whistleblower Service

Whistleblower Hotline ServicesIntegrity Hotline ServiceWhistleblowing in Sport
Written By Andrew McLeish

Stopline is proud to partner with the AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA) to offer a confidential whistleblower hotline service dedicated to the welfare of AFL and AFLW players and their families.

Recently, the Herald Sun announced Stopline as the official whistleblower hotline provider for the AFLPA. According to Jay Clarke, "AFL players now have access to a confidential whistleblower service, allowing them to report concerns anonymously."

Managers and players received notification on Friday, June 28, 2024, about the activation of the AFLPA Stopline service, emphasising its availability to all players and their families.

The service encourages players to confidentially report any issues they encounter within the AFL industry. It addresses sensitive topics such as racism, sexism, bullying, harassment, mental health, physical health including concussion management, and breaches of AFL rules, including drug policies.

"The Stopline service was initiated based on player feedback and addresses significant issues in the game that affect player well-being," writes Jay Clarke. It responds to past scandals in clubs, reinforcing its necessity in safeguarding players' mental and physical health.

Jessica Cao, Senior Legal Counsel for the AFLPA, highlighted the importance of Stopline's involvement: "We engaged Stopline to manage our whistleblower service independently and confidentially, ensuring best practices are upheld."

Stopline, with over two decades of experience in integrity services in Australia, understands the complexities of reporting sensitive matters. Andrew McLeish, Managing Director of Stopline, affirms, "We provide a safe space for players to voice their concerns, supported by the AFLPA to offer comprehensive guidance and assistance."

Stopline's partnership with the AFLPA aims to empower players by providing a secure platform to address issues affecting their well-being and integrity. For more information or to make a report, players are encouraged to utilise the confidential whistleblower hotline services offered by Stopline.

Anyone wishing to read the complete article is encouraged to go the Herald Sun to read it.

Andrew McLeish

Andrew McLeish is the CEO and Managing Director of Stopline Pty Ltd, Australia’s first dedicated whistleblower hotline service, and the Founder of Make a Report Pty Ltd, a secure, cloud-based reporting and case management platform. With more than 25 years of experience in corporate governance, whistleblower reporting, and workplace investigations, Andrew is a nationally recognised authority in integrity services and compliance.

Since Stopline was founded in 2001, Andrew has led the delivery of whistleblower services to over 500 organisations across government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors, managing thousands of confidential disclosures each year. Drawing on over two decades of insight and client feedback, Andrew designed and built the Make a Report platform to align with key legislative requirements - such as the Corporations Act, Public Interest Disclosure Act, and the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enhancing Whistleblower Protections) Act 2019 - as well as national and international standards including AS 8001:2021 – Fraud and Corruption Control, ISO 37001 – Anti-Bribery Management Systems, and ISO 37002 – Whistleblowing Management Systems.

He is a trusted advisor to boards, executives, and compliance leaders, known for his practical, ethical, and strategic approach to addressing complex matters involving misconduct, fraud, and corporate wrongdoing.

https://www.stopline.com.au
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