The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 enables people to make disclosures about wrongdoing within the state public sector without fear of reprisal.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is committed to the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 [1] (PID Act) which aims to ensure openness and accountability in government by encouraging people to make disclosures and protecting them when they do. DPIRD also recognises the value of transparency and accountability in enhancing administrative and management practices.
As a department, we recognise the importance of supporting our employees to uphold our high standards of professional and ethical conduct. As such, we strongly encourage and support employees, or the community, to disclose unethical behaviour.
Who can make a public interest disclosure?
The PID Act deals with all public disclosures; not just those made by government employees. Public disclosures may be anonymous.
A disclosure is more than a general complaint about dissatisfaction with a product or service or a decision by government and is more than a personal grievance that can be resolved by agreement between parties.
The information disclosed must relate to:
- a matter of public interest
- show or tend to show wrongdoing by:
- a public authority
- public officer
- public sector contractor performing a public function.
If the information is not covered by the PID Act, you can still lodge your complaint to the department’s Complaint Management [2] team.
Who to contact?
DPIRD's public interest disclosure officers:
- Director Internal Audit
- Senior Internal Auditors
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
3 Baron-Hay Court
South Perth WA 6151
Email: disclosure@dpird.wa.gov.au [3]
All contact and related discussions are treated in the strictest confidence in accordance with the requirements of the PID Act.
What should be considered?
At the time you make your disclosure, you must:
- believe on reasonable grounds that the information you have is, or may be, true (false or misleading disclosures attract a penalty)
- understand your rights and responsibilities under the PID Act.
Further information
More information about public interest disclosure may be obtained by visiting the Public Sector Commission [4] website or calling the the commission’s PID Advisory Line on +61 (0)8 6552 8888 or 1800 676 607.