Public Interest Disclosure
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018 (PID Act) came into effect on 1 July 2019. It repeals and replaces the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993.
The PID Act focuses on the disclosure of information and encourages and facilitates 'appropriate disclosures' of certain information in the public interest by ensuring proper procedures are in place for making and dealing with disclosures and providing protection to people who make these disclosures.
About the Act
There are two types of disclosures that are covered by the PID Act:
1. Environmental and health information
Environmental and health information is the disclosure of information about substantial risks to public health or safety, or to the environment.
2. Public administration information
Public administration information is the disclosure of information about corruption, misconduct or maladministration in public administration.
These two types of information are collectively referred to as public interest information.
Who can make an appropriate disclosure?
Anyone can make an 'appropriate disclosure' of environment and health information.
Only a public officer can make an 'appropriate disclosure' of public administration. A public officer is defined under the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2012 and includes a comprehensive list of public officials such as:
- public sector employees
- local government employees
- elected members
- police officers
- judges
- members of parliament.
Protections under the Act
The PID Act provides that if a person makes an 'appropriate disclosure' of public interest information they are not subject to any liability as a result of that disclosure and their identity will be protected, making it an offence to victimise that person.
Who can I make a disclosure to?
An appropriate disclosure can be made to any elected member, employee or officer of the Council, however, the Chief Executive Officer has appointed a responsible officer under the PID Act. As such, informants are encouraged to make their disclosures directly to the responsible officer.
The responsible officer under the PID Act is the General Manager Communities.
How to make an appropriate disclosure to the City of West Torrens Responsible Officer
In writing
Marked 'Confidential'
General Manager Communities
Public Interest Disclosure Responsible Officer
City of West Torrens
165 Sir Donald Bradman Drive
Hilton SA 5033
Phone
Contact 8416 6333
Email
By email to the PID Act Responsible Officer
In person
Civic Centre
165 Sir Donald Bradman Drive
Hilton SA 5033
Business hours: 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
If the information relates to the Responsible Officer
Your disclosure may be made directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
General complaints
In some circumstances, a general complaint will trigger the protections offered under the PID Act. This will be discussed with the complainant at the time of lodging their complaint.