Complying with statutory regulations and internal rules, and the principles laid down in our Code of Conduct for Employees and Code of Conduct for Business Partners, has top priority at Volkswagen Group Australia. The success of our company is based on Integrity & Compliance. To meet these standards, it is important to learn of potential employee or supplier misconduct and to put a stop to it. Therefore, we entrusted the Central Investigation Office to operate an independent, impartial and confidential Whistleblower System on our behalf.

A key pillar of our Whistleblower System is the principle of procedural fairness. It also guarantees the greatest possible protection for whistleblowers, persons implicated and employees contributing to the investigation of reported misconduct.

This also includes the option of anonymous reporting and communication. As part of our investigation, we will not perform any steps that may identify anonymous whistleblowers. Retaliation against whistleblowers and any persons who contribute to investigations at Volkswagen Group Australia will not be tolerated. Persons implicated are presumed innocent until the violation is proven. Investigations will be conducted with the utmost confidentiality. The information will be processed in a fair, fast and protected process.

Our qualified and experienced colleagues at the Central Investigation Office examine every report for potential misconduct by a Volkswagen Group employee thoroughly and follow it up systematically. First, you will get a confirmation of receipt. The Central Investigation Office will then assess your report. This includes gathering facts particularly from the whistleblower. Only if this initial evaluation shows grounds for suspicion of a violation, an investigation by a dedicated Investigating Unit will commence. Afterwards, the results of the investigation will be assessed by the Central Investigation Office and appropriate measures will be recommended. Information about the status* and the outcome of the procedure will be given to you without undue delay.

Potential violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners by suppliers, including serious risks and violations of human rights and environment by direct and indirect suppliers, can also be reported to the Central Investigation Office - as well as reports requiring otherwise immediate action. The Investigation Office will inform the responsible departments, who will process the issue accordingly. This particularly includes taking the necessary measures to minimise or end violations and/or risks.

Further information on the procedural principles of the Volkswagen Group Complaints Procedure can be viewed here.

_{*The processing time varies depending on the subject of the procedure.}

For complaints or feedback about vehicles and services of Volkswagen Group Australia or our business partners (e.g. Authorised Dealers, Agents including workshops), please contact the respective Customer Care team:

Please note the Whistleblower System cannot process customer complaints.

The Whistleblower System offers various channels for reporting potential misconduct by Volkswagen Group Australia employees, violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners or serious risks and violations of human rights and environment in our Supply Chain.

Questions or suggestions for improvement concerning the Whistleblower System can also be addressed to the Central Investigation Office.

Furthermore, our local Compliance Officer can also be contacted in all matters of the Whistleblower System via compliance@volkswagen.com.au.