Public Interest Disclosure
Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003, any person can make disclosure if they believe something is wrong with the way a public authority, public officer or public sector contractor is acting, has acted or may be going to act, which is of public interest.
This might involve:
- Improper conduct;
- An offence under State laws (including corruption);
- Administration matters;
- Irregular or unauthorised use of public resources;
- Substantial mismanagement of public resources; and
- Conduct that involves a substantial and specific risk of injury, prejudice to public safety or harm to the environment.
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 outlines what may be disclosed, whom it must be disclosed to, and also provides for the protection of people who make a public interest disclosure (PID), as well as those who may be subject of a PID.
A PID must always be in the public interest to report it. It does not apply to information that someone has, or is, engaging in criminal behaviour unconnected to their employment.
The Department recommends you seek advice before making a PID.
For further information
The contact details of the PID Officers are as follows:
Peter Groves, John Coles and Sophie Pontifex
Department of the Registrar
Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission
Level 17, 111 St Georges Terrace
PERTH WA 6000
Phone: 08 9420 4444
Email: disclosure@wairc.wa.gov.au
The Public Sector Commission also provides information for people thinking of making a disclosure and to assist public authorities in complying with their obligations under the Act. You can contact the Public Sector Commission’s PID advice and referral line on (08) 6552 8888.
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 can be accessed at https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au
