Public servants should be punished for failing to report misconduct, legal experts say

Recommendation adds to a growing push for reforms to Australia's whistleblowing laws, which fail to prevent reprisals against those who speak out

Public servants should be legally compelled to report misconduct and face punishment for failing to do so, a group of former judges and integrity experts say.

The recommendation is one of a series of urgent reforms needed to improve government integrity, strengthen accountability bodies and address flaws in the whistleblowing regime, according to a paper released by the Centre for Public Integrity on Tuesday.