Public Interest Disclosure

Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003, any person can make disclosure if they believe something is wrong with the way a public authority, public officer or public sector contractor is acting, or may be going to act, which is of public interest.

This might involve:

• Improper conduct;
• An offence under State laws (including corruption);
• Administration matters;
• Irregular or unauthorised use of public resources;
• Substantial mismanagement of public resources; and
• Conduct that involves a substantial and specific risk of injury, prejudice to public safety or harm to the environment.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 outlines what may be disclosed, who it must be disclosed to, and also provides for the protection of people who make a public interest disclosure (PID), as well as those who may be subject of a PID.

A PID must always be in the public interest to report it. It does not apply to information that someone has, or is, engaging in criminal behaviour unconnected to their employment.

The Department recommends you seek advice before making a PID. An information brochure will be available on this website soon, which will provide more detailed information.

You can also find further details from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards:

17th Floor, St Martin's Tower, 44 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Email: pssc@opssc.wa.gov.au
Website: www.opssc.wa.gov.au/pid

The Act can be accessed via the State Law Publisher website: www.slp.wa.gov.au/statutes/swans.nsf or at the Battye Library of WA, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth.

For more information, or to make a disclosure relating to an employee of the Department, contact the PID officer:

Public Interest Disclosure Officer
Department of the Attorney General
Level 16
141 St Georges Terrace
PERTH WA 6000
Telephone: (08) 9264 6333 (secure, confidential phone line)