Public Interest Disclosure
What is a public interest disclosure?
If you believe that something is wrong with the way a government official, public authority or government contractor is acting or going to act, then it is in the public’s interest that you talk to someone who can do something about the matter.
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (PID Act) enables people to make disclosures about wrongdoing within the State public sector, local government entities and public universities without fear of reprisal. The PID Act aims to ensure openness and accountability in government by encouraging people to make disclosures by maintaining confidentiality and providing immunity from detrimental action.
The PID Act deals with disclosures by anyone (not just government workers); however, the disclosure must relate to a matter of public interest and demonstrate wrongdoing by a public body.
A Public Interest Disclosure is more than a general complaint about dissatisfaction with a decision, service of product, and it is more than a personal grievance that can be resolved by agreement between the parties involved. In order to be covered by the PID Act, the disclosure must relate to a matter of public interest.
The PID Officer is responsible for receiving disclosures of public interest information relating to matters falling within the sphere of responsibility of the Shire of Irwin.
Contact details for the Shire of Irwin’s PID Officer are as follows:
Shane Ivers
Chief Executive Officer
E: reception@irwin.wa.gov.au
T: (08) 9927 0000
A disclosure that relates to a matter of public interest and tends to show wrongdoing by a public body.
What is a public body?
- A public authority (state government, local government, public university, etc);
- A public officer (employee of a public authority, a minister, a member of parliament, a judical officer, a police officer, a holder of office under the State);
- A public sector contractor (a person or organisation engaged by a public authority).
What is a wrongdoing?
- Improper conduct;
- Offence under State Law;
- Substantial misuse of public resources;
- Substantial mismanagement of public resources;
- Substantial risk to public health, safety or the environment;
- Matter of administration that can be investigated by the State Ombudsman.
How do I make a disclosure?
Your disclosure must be made to the proper authority:
- The Public Interest Disclosure Officer within the public authority where the wrongdoing occurred;
- A Police Officer;
- Corruption and Crime Commission;
- WA Ombudsman;
- Auditor General.
Useful contacts
For further information about public interest disclosures visit the Public Sector Commission online.
Alternatively call the PID Advice and Referral Line: 1800 355 835
