The Rudd government has come good on its election promise to improve public interest disclosure laws.

They’re holding an inquiry into whistle blowing in the public sector.

This covers three areas of legislation: Freedom of Information, the Public Interest Act and Journalism shield laws.

Public servants who expose corruption or mismanagement currently have very few legal rights and are often subjected to reprisals or discrimination.

Peter Bennett has been a public servant for over 35 years, and is the president of Whistleblowers Australia – an organization that provides support for those who leak public interest information.

He spoke with 2SER's Leeanne Torpey.