One thing that has not been discussed here today is how whistle-blowers work in reality. I reflect that. Most of the whistle-blowers I've talked to, especially when you're talking about systemic wrongdoing—not individual acts, somebody stealing a TV or something of that nature—that permeates a government department, as in my case, spend a tremendous amount of effort trying to effect corrective action and be heard inside the organization. I did it for six years, right up to the minister's office.
Going to the media was not something that I relished. I had no experience in it, but what were my options? Going to the media was the last step. What has to be demonstrated is that there is an agency or a process in place that truly enables the whistle-blower to be heard, to participate in the investigation process, and not to be disenfranchised. They have to be part of the whole development of what is actually being exposed and investigated.
Whistle-blowers do not run to the media. Tom would, I believe, fully endorse that. Also, I think we have to remember that the media historically has been the channel or the avenue by which we, the public, and you, the politicians, have been informed about systemic wrongdoing.