On this page

  • What is a public interest disclosure

  • Who can make a public interest disclosure

  • How to make a public interest disclosure

  • What happens after you make a report

  • Further information

The Department of Justice and Community Safety encourages its employees and the public to speak up to report allegations of improper conduct.  

Improper conduct can include unacceptable behaviour under the Victorian Public Sector (VPS) Code of Conduct (External link), corruption or serious misconduct, detrimental action, criminal behaviour, misuse of confidential information, substantial mismanagement of public resources, or a risk to the environment, public health, or safety.

What is a public interest disclosure 

A public interest disclosure (PID) is when a person reports improper conduct or corruption in the Victorian public sector, and they are provided with protections under legislation (Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012). This can include keeping the identity of the discloser confidential and protecting them from detrimental consequences for reporting the matter.

Who can make a public interest disclosure

Anyone can make a PID. You do not have to be a government employee or directly involved with the public body in question. Members of the public, contractors, and employees can all report suspected improper conduct.

How to make a public interest disclosure

There are a few options for making a PID including:

Any information you provide will be taken seriously and handled with utmost confidentiality.  

You should not make your own inquiries or seek evidence in relation to the matter you are reporting or discuss the allegations with anyone as this could compromise any future investigation or place you at risk of harm. Always speak to a PID Coordinator or seek advice from IBAC before taking any action.  

If at any time you are finding this process distressing or need assistance you can seek support:

What happens after you make a report

  1. The PID Coordinator will assess whether your complaint is a PID. The PID Coordinator will also conduct a welfare risk assessment to ensure appropriate action can be taken to protect you.
  2. The PID Coordinator will notify you within 28 days of their assessment and whether they have determined your report to be a PID or not.
  3. The PID Coordinator will refer your disclosure to IBAC if it is determined to be a PID. If the matter is not assessed as a PID, the PID Coordinator will explore next steps and options with you.
  4. If the disclosure is referred to IBAC, IBAC will then make its own assessment as to whether it is a PID.
  5. IBAC will advise you of its determination and the action proposed to be taken unless it considers that notification would have certain adverse consequences. IBAC may contact you directly or via the PID Coordinator who will notify you of IBAC’s assessment outcome if known.
  6. The PID Coordinator will continue to liaise with you on any further actions that may be taken and regarding your welfare needs.

Further information

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