Public interest disclosures

Whistle next to a gavel

The Borough of Queenscliffe Council is a public body subject to the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (PID Act). The purpose of the Act is to encourage and facilitate the making of disclosures of improper conduct by public officers and public bodies, including the Borough of Queenscliffe, its officers, employees and Councillors.

Under the PID Act, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has a key role in receiving, assessing and investigating disclosures about improper conduct and detrimental action taken in reprisal for a disclosure by public bodies or public officers.

If you'd like to make a public interest disclosure, you must believe, on reasonable grounds, that the Councillor or Council employee has engaged in, or proposes to engage in, improper conduct. The conduct must be serious enough to constitute a criminal offence or reasonable grounds for dismissal. Disclosures can be made anonymously.

Via IBAC

Step 1.Complete an online form

You can complete an online form via the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) website. Make sure you read the important information before completing the form.

Step 2.Request a form via phone

Alternatively, you can phone IBAC on 1300 735 135 and request them have a hard-copy form sent through to you for completion.

Via the Ombudsman

Step 1.Complete an online form

You can complete an online form via the Victorian Ombudsman website. Make sure you read the important information before completing the form.

Step 2.Request a form via phone

Alternatively, you can phone the Ombudsman on (03) 9613 6222 and request them have a hard-copy form sent through to you for completion.

Via Council staff

Step 1.Contact Council's Public Interest Disclosure (PID) Officer

Council's PID officer is the General Manager of Organisational Performance & Community Services. They can be contacted via email at protected.disclosure1@queenscliffe.vic.gov.au.

Step 2.Contact Council's Chief Executive Officer

Council's Chief Executive Officer can also be contacted for PID requests. They can be contacted via email at protected.disclosure2@queenscliffe.vic.gov.au.

Disclosure examples

A complaint or allegation that is already in the public domain will not normally be a public interest disclosure, for example if the matter has already been subject to media or other public commentary. The term 'disclosure' is interpreted under the PID Act in the ordinary sense of the word as a 'revelation' to the person receiving it.

 

Examples of such a disclosure may include:

  • An officer taking a bribe to grant a permit
  • An officer ignoring or concealing evidence of an illegal activity being conducted in the municipality
  • An officer selling or revealing confidential information to enable someone to gain advantage
  • A substantial mismanagement of public resources
  • A substantial risk to public health or safety
  • A substantial risk to the environment.

Related information

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