Public Interest Disclosure

Legislative changes commencing 01 January 2020 required all agencies to update their policies and procedures in relation to Public Interest Disclosures (PIDs). Victoria’s Public Interest Disclosure scheme is vitally important in ensuring that people who report improper conduct and corruption can do so in the knowledge that they will be protected. Protection includes keeping the identity of the person reporting improper conduct confidential and protecting them from reprisals including bullying, harassment or legal action.

Overall, the new PID scheme aims to provide a lower threshold for making PIDs to IBAC, a ‘no wrong door’ principle for handling PIDs made to a receiving agency, and increased flexibility and alternative pathways for how investigating agencies handle PIDs. Major name changes include The Protected Disclosure Act 2012 renamed to the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012. In addition, the terms protected disclosure and protected disclosure complaint have been replaced with Public Interest Disclosure and Public Interest Complaint.

Who can make a Public Interest Disclosure?
 Any natural person can make a disclosure about improper conduct or detrimental action – including members of the public (including group of individuals), members of the public and employees of Council. A Corporation or body cannot make a Public Interest Disclosure

Contacts

Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator

Director Business Strategy & Performance, Yarriambiack Shire Council
34 Lyle Street, PO Pox 243, Warracknabeal Vic 3393

Public Interest Disclosure Welfare Officer
Manager Organisational Performance, Yarriambiack Shire Council
34 Lyle Street, PO Box 243, Warracknabeal Vic 3393

Chief Executive Officer
Public Interest Disclosures can be made directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
34 Lyle Street, PO Box 243, Warracknabeal Vic 3393

Ombudsman/IBAC
A disclosure about improper conduct or detrimental action by the Yarriambiack Shire Council Councillors, Special Committees, Contractors, Volunteers or Employees may also be made directly to the Ombudsman or IBAC. Public Interest Disclosures relating to Councillors can only be made directly to the Ombudsman or IBAC.
IBAC are able to refer Public Interest Complaints (PIC) to the Chief Municipal Inspector where it considers:
• the complaint does not involve corrupt conduct
• it is relevant to the performance of the Chief Municipal Inspectorates functions, and
• certain other conditions are met

Victorian Ombudsman
Level 2, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne Vic 3000
Online: www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au
Email: ombudvic@ombudsman.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 03 9613 6222; Toll-free (regional only) 1800 806 314

IBAC
Level 1, North Tower, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic 3000
Online: www.inbac.vic.gov.au
Email: info@ibac.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 1300 735 135 

 

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