Public interest disclosure
A public interest disclosure (PID) is a disclosure about wrongdoing in the public sector that serves the public interest. For an allegation to be considered a PID under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010, it must be:
- a disclosure of information specified in the Act
- public interest information about serious wrongdoing or danger
- made to the proper authority.
Once considered a PID, it will attract the protections under the Act.
Council is committed to protecting those who report wrongdoing. To ensure the appropriate handling of PIDs, Council has approved the:
Making a PID
A PID can be made by anyone regarding:
- substantial and specific danger to the health or safety of a person with disability
- substantial and specific danger to the environment caused by a breach or offence under environmental legislation
- the conduct of another person that could, if proved, be a reprisal.
A reprisal occurs if a person causes or attempts to cause damage or harm to the discloser because they believe the discloser has:
- made or intends to make a PID
- took part in or intends to take part in procedures under the PID Act.
Reprisal action against a discloser is an offence under the Act.
Council employees can make further disclosures regarding:
- corrupt conduct
- maladministration
- a substantial misuse of public resources
- a substantial and specific danger to public health, safety or the environment.
Submitting a PID
A PID can be made in any format. However, to enable the best assessment and investigation outcome, PIDs should be made in writing and contain all available information.
You can make a public interest disclosure:
A disclosure can also be made via Your Call's confidential whistleblower hotline using the reference - City of Moreton Bay.
You must be prepared to provide supporting evidence to assist in the investigation of the disclosure.
Anonymous PIDs
Anonymous disclosures can be made, however, Council prefers that disclosers identify themselves. This enables the best assessment and investigation of the PID. It also ensures appropriate support is provided to the discloser.
If a discloser chooses to remain anonymous, it is important that as much information as possible is provided. Council may not be able to inform anonymous disclosers of the outcome the investigation. As a result, some of the protections in the PID Act may not apply.
Responsibilities of someone making a PID
When making a PID, you have a responsibility to:
- provide honest and accurate information. Deliberately providing false or misleading information is an offence.
- provide all information currently in your possession. You must not seek to investigate the matter yourself.
- make the disclosure to someone you reasonably believe is the proper authority to receive it.
If it is unclear whether a disclosure is a PID under the Act, Council will assume that the disclosure is a PID and therefore the Act will apply.
More information
Contact Council for more information or email Council's PID Coordinator via pids@moretonbay.qld.gov.au.
Learn more via Queensland Ombudsmen: