The Human Rights Law Centre analysed every whistleblower case and found there had not been a successful judgment under the primary laws and regimes, including federal legislation.
The report found only one case across 78 judgments where a whistleblower received compensation for facing a detrimental impact after speaking up.
There were only seven times that someone who spoke against wrongdoing succeeded on a substantive issue.
HRLC senior lawyer Kieran Pender said whistleblowers were vital for accountability.
"They should be recognised as human rights defenders, not punished," he said.
"Our laws should protect these individuals and hold accountable those in power who breach human rights, yet Australia is lagging behind global standards."
The centre is calling for more law reforms and protections for those who shine a light on private or public-sector wrongdoing.
David McBride, who exposed war crime allegations within the defence force, is facing criminal prosecution in November.
A subsequent investigation by the Office of the Special Investigator found credible evidence of war crimes by Australian special forces in Afghanistan, and one man has since been charged with the war crime of murder.
Mr Pender said prosecuting whistleblowers would keep others from speaking out.
"What don't we know because prospective whistleblowers are staying silent?" he said.
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