Public interest disclosure

A Public Interest Disclosure (PID) is the supply of information to an appropriate authority which reasonably suggests wrongdoing in the public sector. A PID can be made to a Council.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (the Act) requires the Chief Executive Officer to properly investigate and deal with any PID’s reported to them. For an investigation to commence under the Act the disclosure must be:

• Public interest information about serious wrongdoing
• An appropriate disclosure
• Made to the proper authority

A PID reported to Council about serious wrongdoing helps to uncover corruption and the misuse of Council resources. Further, this information allows Council to improve processes and procedures to improve service delivering to the community.

https://www.ombudsman.qld.gov.au/improve-public-administration/public-interest-disclosures/what-is-a-public-interest-disclosure

The information may be about:

• Corrupt conduct by another person
• Maladministration within Council that substantially adversely affects someone’s interests
• A substantial and specific danger to public health and safety

An appropriate disclosure is one where the discloser honestly and reasonably believes the information they provide tends to show the conduct or danger reported is real. There must be information that supports their view that the report is warranted under the Public Disclosure Act 2010. If these two criteria are met the Chief Executive Officer is required to investigate the PID and ensure the discloser (particularly if they are a Council officer) is supported and protected from reprisals.

The Act requires that appropriate PID’s are strictly confidential. Information can only be disclosed to a Court or Tribunal, or with the consent of the discloser.

A PID can be made anonymously, however, if the disclosure involves serious allegations it should be made in writing and contain all the required information.

In writing:

Strictly Confidential
Governance Officer
Cloncurry Shire Council
PO Box 3, Cloncurry QLD 4824

If you feel strongly that the PID is particularly serious you may address correspondence to the Chief Executive Officer.

By phone:

(07) 4742 4100

In person:

By attending the Council’s administration office and asking to speak with the Governance Officer, or any senior staff member you feel is appropriate.

For any questions regarding Council’s Public Interest Disclosure process please contact Councils Governance Officer on 07 4742 4100.