Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner

Public Interest Disclosures

Information about making a disclosure

Important things to remember

  • Seek advice

    Seek advice from the PID officer in the public authority concerned, or call the OPSSC Assist Line on 1800 676 607 before making a disclosure.

  • Be careful

    Be careful about whom you make your disclosure to and how you make it. To be protected under the PID Act you must make your disclosure to a proper authority.

  • Be discreet

    Be discreet by keeping your intentions to yourself. Do not broadcast the fact that you are going to make or have made a disclosure. Ensure your information is provided discreetly.

  • Don't breach confidentiality

    Don't breach confidentiality by going to the media with the information after you have made a disclosure. You may lose your immunity under the PID Act and breach the confidentiality provisions. This may incur a substantial penalty.

  • Be confident of your information

    You must believe on reasonable grounds that the information is or may be true. Knowingly providing false or misleading information is an offence under the PID Act and carries a penalty. Information should be based on more than hearsay or gossip.

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Page last updated: July 09 2009