What is the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003?

The Public Interest Disclosure Act came into effect on 1 July 2003. The Act facilitates the disclosure of public interest information by providing protection for those who make disclosures and those who are the subject of disclosures.

It provides a system for the matters disclosed to be investigated and for appropriate action to be taken. If you believe that something is wrong with the way a government official or public authority or government contractor is acting or going to act, it is in the public interest that you talk to someone who can do something about it.

You can make disclosures about information that predates 1 July 2003 and about public authorities that include State government agencies and departments, local governments and bodies established under a written law for a public purpose, such as a public university.

Which organisations are covered by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003?

The legislation, which came into effect on 1 July 2003 covers all 144 Shires (as well as numerous other instrumentalities and government agencies) and requires each agency to have a Public Interest Disclosure Officer for contact and implementation of the Act with respect to its constituents and employees and the wider public.

How do I contact the Shire of Chittering’s Public Interest Disclosure Officer?

The Shire of Chittering’s Public Interest Disclosure Officer can be contacted by phone on 9576 1044. If you require additional information about the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003, please email chatter@chittering.wa.gov.au.

How do I access the Shire of Chittering’s Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 forms, policies and guidelines?

• Download a copy of the Public Interest Disclosure Lodgement Form
• Download the Guidelines on Internal Procedures for the Shire of Chittering
• Download the Code of Conduct and Integrity of the Public Interest Disclosure Officer
• Download the Public Interest Disclosure Information Brochure

How can I find out more information about the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003?

The Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner has a website dedicated to the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003. Visit the website at http://www.wa.gov.au/opssc/html/disclosure01.htm to find out more information.

Additional links and information:

Anti Corruption Commission
Ombudsman
Office of the Auditor General
Police Service