Earthy Tabs

Whistleblower Policy

We encourage transparency and accountability across our entire organisation.

Earthy Tabs – Whistleblower Policy

Last Updated: 11/11/2025

Applies To: All employees, contractors, suppliers, distributors, consultants, partners, and volunteers connected to Earthy Tabs.

1. Purpose of This Policy

Earthy Tabs is committed to building an ethical, transparent, and responsible business.

This Whistleblower Policy is designed to ensure that anyone connected to Earthy Tabs can safely raise concerns about misconduct, wrongdoing, or unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation.

We want people to speak up early—confidently and safely—so we can address issues quickly and protect the integrity of our operations.

2. Who This Policy Covers

This policy applies to:

  • •Employees (full-time, part-time, and casual)
  • •Contractors, subcontractors, and agency workers
  • •Manufacturers and supply chain partners
  • •Distributors, wholesalers, and retail partners
  • •Consultants and advisors
  • •Volunteers, interns, and trainees
  • •Former employees and former suppliers
  • •Relatives and dependents of any of the above

If you work with Earthy Tabs in any capacity, you are protected under this policy.

3. What You Can Report

You can report any suspected or actual wrongdoing, such as:

3.1 Serious Misconduct

  • •Fraud, theft, bribery, or corruption
  • •Misuse of company funds or assets
  • •Serious breaches of company policy

3.2 Legal or Regulatory Violations

  • •Breaches of Australian Consumer Law
  • •Health, safety, or environmental violations
  • •Misrepresentation of environmental claims
  • •Violations of international labour or manufacturing standards

3.3 Ethical Misconduct

  • •Modern slavery or human rights concerns
  • •Exploitive labour practices
  • •Unsafe working conditions
  • •Unethical behaviour by leadership or staff

3.4 Data & Privacy Risks

  • •Unauthorised access to confidential information
  • •Mishandling of customer or supplier data

3.5 Supply Chain Concerns

  • •Criminal exploitation
  • •Child labour
  • •Forced or bonded labour
  • •Hidden subcontracting
  • •Environmental breaches

3.6 Retaliation

Retaliation or threats against anyone who raises concerns are also considered misconduct.

You do not need proof to make a report—only reasonable grounds to believe something is wrong.

4. What Is Not Covered

This policy is not for:

  • •Personal workplace grievances (e.g., interpersonal conflicts, minor HR issues)

These should be raised through HR or your manager unless they involve serious misconduct.

5. How to Report a Concern

You can raise concerns confidentially or anonymously through the following channels:

5.1 Email (dedicated)

📧 whistleblower@earthytabs.com

This inbox is monitored only by authorised senior personnel.

5.2 General Support Channel (if unsure)

📧 support@earthytabs.com

If a concern is sensitive, simply state it is a whistleblowing matter and it will be redirected confidentially.

5.4 In Writing

Marked Strictly Confidential – Whistleblower Report addressed to:

Earthy Tabs Whistleblower Officer

[Insert company postal address]

You may choose to remain anonymous. We will respect this choice and still investigate the matter to the best of our ability.

6. How We Protect Whistleblowers

6.1 Strict Confidentiality

Earthy Tabs will protect your identity at all times.

Your name will not be:

  • •Shared with anyone not directly involved in the investigation
  • •Disclosed to the person being reported
  • •Released internally without your consent

6.2 No Retaliation

Earthy Tabs does not tolerate:

  • •Threats
  • •Demotions
  • •Loss of hours or opportunities
  • •Harassment or bullying
  • •Termination
  • •Supplier/contractor blacklisting

Anyone who retaliates will face disciplinary action, including termination or removal from our supply chain.

6.3 Protection Under Law

Whistleblowers may be protected under:

  • •The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
  • •The Fair Work Act
  • •Australian consumer and privacy laws

These protections apply even if the concern turns out to be incorrect, provided it was raised in good faith.

7. How Reports Are Handled

7.1 Acknowledgement

We aim to acknowledge receipt within 3 business days, unless the whistleblower is anonymous.

7.2 Assessment

Our Whistleblower Officer will:

  • •Assess the seriousness and credibility of the concern
  • •Determine the appropriate investigation approach
  • •Engage internal or external investigators if needed

7.3 Investigation

Investigations may involve:

  • •Interviews
  • •Document and data reviews
  • •Supply chain audits
  • •Facility or site inspections
  • •Consultation with legal counsel

7.4 Outcome

Once the investigation concludes, we will:

  • •Take corrective action where required
  • •Enforce disciplinary measures if misconduct occurred
  • •Report findings to leadership
  • •Provide the whistleblower with appropriate updates (if contactable)

8. Supplier and Manufacturing Partners

Suppliers must:

  • •Encourage workers to speak up freely
  • •Display this policy where workers can access it
  • •Ensure no retaliation against any worker who reports concerns
  • •Provide transparency and access for investigations
  • •Cooperate fully with Earthy Tabs' requests for information

Failure to comply may result in sanctions or termination of the supplier relationship.

9. False or Malicious Reports

We encourage honest reporting.

Knowingly false, malicious, or fabricated claims may result in disciplinary action.

However, employees will not be penalised for raising concerns in good faith, even if they turn out to be unsubstantiated.

10. Continuous Improvement

Earthy Tabs is committed to reviewing and improving this policy regularly.

We will update our processes as laws change and as our business grows.

11. Contact Us

For questions about this policy or guidance on whether an issue qualifies for whistleblowing:

📧 support@earthytabs.com

Subject: Whistleblower Policy Enquiry

This policy is effective as of 11/11/2025 and may be updated from time to time.