Western Australian PID statistics for 2004–05

Public authorities are required to report to the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards annually on the number of public interest disclosures received and the results of any investigations taken.

In 2004–05, 23 people made a public interest disclosure to a proper authority. Due to the nature of the confidentiality provisions in the PID Act, detailed information in relation to these disclosures is not able to be released by the public authority receiving the disclosure.

To be covered by the PID Act, a disclosure must concern a matter of public interest information. This year, most matters concerned "improper conduct".

Type of Matters

2003-04

2004-05

Improper Conduct

15

14

Offence under State law

1

1

Substantial misuse/mismanagement of public resources

12

2

Risk of injury to public health; public safety; harm to environment

1

1

Administrative matter which can be investigated by Ombudsman

3

5

Other Australian jurisdictions

Most other Australian jurisdictions have equivalent legislation and disclosures have been made in relation to the following matters:

  • concerns regarding complaint handling procedures at a public university
  • concerns regarding the use and accountability of funds by a unit of a State Emergency Service
  • alleged sexist behaviour by a local government councillor at a council meeting
  • allegations of nepotism and cronyism at a public university
  • alleged mismanagement of a State owned corporation
  • alleged detrimental action by a police officer against a former colleague who had been an internal witness
  • concerns re the closure of Gullama, an aboriginal service centre in Redfern Sydney
  • allegations of staff at a nursing home accessing pornography via one of the home’s computers
  • an employee of a government agency alleging corrupt conduct against colleagues
  • allegations of corruption, maladministration and bullying at a TAFE college.