Public interest disclosures

Misconduct in the public sector

Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013, current and former public officials can report suspected wrongdoing in the public sector through the Public Interest Disclosure (PID) scheme.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 aims to make the Australian public service more accountable and promote integrity by:

• encouraging public officials to report suspected wrongdoing in the public sector
• protecting those who make disclosures from negative consequences (such as bullying and harassment)
• making sure disclosures are properly investigated.

Disclosable conduct includes conduct that:

• is against a law
• is corrupt
• wastes public funds or property
• abuses public trust
• unreasonably endangers health, safety and the environment
• is unjust, oppressive or negligent.

It also includes misconduct related to scientific research, analysis or advice.

Disclosure process

Any current or former public official can make a disclosure, including:

• Australian Government public servants and parliamentary service employees
• members of the Defence Force
• staff and directors of Commonwealth companies
• statutory office holders
• staff of service providers under contract to the Commonwealth.

Public interest disclosures can be made in person, by phone or in writing to:

• an authorised officer of PSR (this includes the Director of the agency)
• the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

We will not give your identifying information to anyone without your consent, unless authorised by the Public Interest Disclosure Act.

You can also report anonymously. However:

• Anonymous reporting can make further investigation difficult.
• We cannot provide you with updates on the progress of the investigation.
• It can be difficult to ensure you are protected from reprisal.

When we receive a public interest disclosure, an authorised officer will assess whether:

• the person making the disclosure is a current or former public official
• the disclosed information reasonably shows disclosable conduct.

If you have any questions or want to make a disclosure, call (02) 6120 9100 and ask to speak to an Authorised Officer or email PID@psr.gov.au