Public Interest
Disclosure Policy
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (PID Act) replaced the Whistle Blowers Act 1994. The PID Act aims to ensure that government is open and accountable by providing protection for those who speak out about wrongdoing, or in other words, make a public interest disclosure (PID). Making a PID is sometimes referred to as ‘whistleblowing’. Reporting suspected wrongdoing is vital to the integrity of the Queensland public sector.
What is Public Interest Disclosure?
A PID is a report of suspected wrongdoing or danger. For an allegation to be considered a PID and attract the protections under the PID Act, it must be:
- Public interest information about substantial and specific wrongdoing or danger; and
- An appropriate disclosure made to the proper authority.
What can a PID be about?
Any person, including public sector officers, may disclose information about:
- A substantial and specific danger to the health or safety of a person with a disability; or
- A substantial and specific danger to the environment (as set out in the PID Act); or
- Reprisal action following a PID.
A public sector officer may also disclose information about:
- Corrupt conduct by another person;
- Maladministration that adversely affects someone’s interest in a substantial and specific way;
- A substantial misuse of public resources;
- A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety;
- A substantial and specific danger to the environment.
What is a reprisal?
Reprisal occurs if a person causes or attempts to cause detriment to you because they believe you: