Public Interest Disclosure

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (PID Act) allows any person to make a disclosure if they believe something is wrong with the way a public authority, public officer or public sector contractor is acting, and which is of public interest, without fear of reprisal.

The Act 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.

As a State Government statutory authority, the Peel Development Commission and its staff and contractors are subject to the PID Act. The Commission supports its employees to uphold high standards of professional and ethical conduct. We strongly encourage employees and the community to disclose any unethical behaviour.

Making a public interest disclosure

The PID Act deals with disclosures in the public interest made by any person, not just disclosures made by government employees. Disclosures can be anonymous.
A disclosure is more than a general complaint about dissatisfaction with a product or service or a decision by government. It is also more than a personal grievance that can be resolved by agreement between parties.

The information disclosed must:
• relate to a matter of public interest; and
• show or tend to show wrongdoing by a:
• public authority,
• public officer, or
• public sector contractor performing a public function.

If the information is not covered by the PID Act, you can still lodge your complaint through the Peel Development Commission’s complaints process.

Who to contact?

To make a disclosure, contact the Peel Development Commission’s Public Interest Disclosure Officer:

CEO
Peel Development Commission
45 Mandurah Terrace
PO Box 543
MANDURAH WA 6210
Phone: 9535 4140
Email: peel@peel.wa.gov.au

At the time you make your disclosure, you should:
•believe on reasonable grounds that the information you have is, or may be, true (false or misleading disclosures attract a penalty); and
•understand your rights and responsibilities under the PID Act.

Further information

More information about public interest disclosure may be obtained by visiting the Public Sector Commission website or contacting the Public Sector Commission’s Integrity Advisory Service by phone on + 61 (08) 6552 8888 or by email at integrity@psc.wa.gov.au.