Public Interest Disclosure

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (the PID Act) replaced the Whistle Blowers Protection Act 1994. The PID Act aims to ensure that government is open and accountable by providing protection for those who speak out about wrongdoing by making a public interest disclosure (PID).

Reporting suspected wrongdoing is vital to the integrity of the Queensland public sector.

What is a Public Interest Disclosure?

A Public Interest Disclosure (PID) is a report of suspected wrongdoing or danger. For an allegation, to be considered a PID and attract the protections under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2010, it must be:

• Public interest information about substantial and specific wrongdoing or danger
• An appropriate disclosure
• Made to proper authority.

What can a PID be about?

Any person, including public sector officers, may disclose information about:

• A substantial and specific danger to the health or safety of a person with a disability
• A substantial and specific danger to the environment (as set out in the PID Act)
• Reprisal action following a PID.

A public sector officer may also disclose information about:

• Corrupt conduct by another person
• aladministration that adversely affects someone's interest in a substantial and specific way
• A substantial misuse of public resources
• A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety
• A substantial and specific danger to the environment.

What is a reprisal?

Reprisal occurs if a person causes or attempts to cause detriment to you, because they believe you:

• Have made, or intend to make a PID; or
• Have participated in, or intend to participate in procedures under the PID Act.

Is Burke Shire Council the proper authority for my PID?

Burke Shire Council would be authorised to receive a PID where:

• The disclosure is about the conduct of Council or its employees; or
• Council is responsible for investigating particular issues (e.g. the Crime and Corruption Commission can receive PIDs about Corrupt Conduct).

Does Burke Shire Council have a policy regarding PIDs?

Burke Shire Council has adopted a Policy and Procedure to ensure the appropriate handling of PIDs.

How do I make a PID?

A PID can be made verbally or in writing.

• To make your PID in writing address your PID to the PID Manager (C/- of the Chief Executive Officer) and clearly mark the sealed envelope as Public Interest Disclosure - Private and Confidential.
• You can also phone Council on (07) 4745 5100 and ask for the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, who is Councils PID Manager.
• The PID Manager will assess your disclosure, and if it does not fit the criteria of a PID, it will be dealt with under Council's complaints management process.

What if I want to make an anonymous PID?

You can make an anonymous PID. Remaining anonymous means you do not identify yourself as the discloser at any stage to anyone. However, anonymous PIDs are often more difficult to investigate. Council strongly encourages disclosers to identify themselves if possible.

If you do identify yourself to the person who receives your PID, Council shall make every effort to keep your identity confidential. Remember that Council will not be able to inform you of any action it takes if you remain anonymous.

Disclosures to other agencies

Alternatively, you can make your disclosure to the Queensland Ombudsman, if it concerns maladministration or a waste of public funds or a Member of Parliament.

Queensland Ombudsman

Crime and Corruption Commission

Confidentiality

Strict confidentiality requirements apply to PIDs. Confidential PID information can be recorded or disclosed:

• To administer the PID Act or to discharge a function under another Act (for example, to investigate something disclosed by a public interest disclosure)
• For a proceeding in a court tribunal
• With the consent of the person, the information relates to (or if the consent of the person cannot be reasonably obtained if the information is unlikely to harm the interests of the person) or
• If it is essential under the principles of natural justice and reprisal is unlikely.

What are my responsibilities as a discloser?

When making a PID, you have a responsibility to:

• Provide honest and accurate information - deliberately providing false or misleading information is an offence;
• Provide all information currently in your possession - you must not seek to investigate the matter yourself; and
• Make the disclosure to someone you reasonably believe is the proper authority to receive the disclosure.

Protection

Those who make a PID will be afforded reasonable protection from reprisals.　

• When a disclosure is made, the Council will assess the risk of reprisal and offer the discloser appropriate support. If the discloser has been involved in the wrongdoing they may be subject to criminal proceedings and disciplinary action.　
• No protection is afforded to those who make disclosures to the media or via means not stated in the Act.

Where do I get more information?

• For more information refer to Council's PID Policy and PID Procedure

• The Queensland Ombudsman is the oversight body of Public Sector agencies for PIDs. and　Fact sheets and information guidelines regarding PIDs and your rights and obligations under the PID Act are available from The Queensland Ombudsman.

• Visit the Queensland Government's website on the conduct and performance relating to ethics and other matters - https://www.forgov.qld.gov.au/conduct-and-performance