Whistleblower hotline

Report online

Information to Include

When making a disclosure you should consider providing as many details as possible, to assist us to determine the best course of action, such as:

• The nature of the wrongdoing
• The details of the person you think committed the wrongdoing (if the person is a service provider, the provider details and location)
• When and where the wrongdoing occurred
• Any relevant events surrounding the wrongdoing
• Anyone else aware of or involved in the wrongdoing
• Anyone else who may verify the claims
• If you did anything in response to the wrongdoing
• If you are concerned about a possible reprisal
• Any supporting information (e.g. documents, file notes)
• Your name and contact details (recommended, however anonymous disclosures can be made)

Your information should be clear and factual. Avoid speculation, personal attacks and emotive language.

Anonymous Disclosers

When making a disclosure you can elect to either identify yourself or make an anonymous disclosure. By identifying yourself, investigators will have the opportunity to clarify information or gather new information you may have.

Information provided is covered by relevant legislation that protects confidential information such as the Privacy Act 1988 and the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

The department has the discretion not to investigate if there are insufficient grounds on which to base an investigation. Where contact details are not provided, additional information cannot be obtained should that be necessary. Anonymous disclosures do not receive updates regarding the outcomes of investigations.

How we deal with the information provided

We value and assess all reports and information that we receive, but not every matter brought to our attention requires us to take regulatory action such as court action. Any inquiries we make will initially focus on the breaches you have disclosed. What is important is that we get the information you believe relates to potential misconduct so we can assess it because it is likely to be valuable to us.

We will contact you by phone (if you have given us those details) and follow up with you to obtain the information you have. We will keep that information and your identity confidential. However, in very limited circumstances – for example, if a court subpoenas us to do so – we may be compelled to provide it. If this happens we will speak with you about that ahead of time and always seek to protect your identity and disclosure.

When we will act on your information

All information, complaints or reports of alleged misconduct and breaches of legislation (including those from whistleblowers) are given an initial assessment by department’s enforcement team.

In the process of our assessment, we will need to take an objective view of the information provided and consider if the core allegation is something we need to make further inquiries about or take action on.

Public Interest Disclosure Act

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (PID Act) encourages and facilitates the making of public interest disclosures by public officials.

All Australian government agencies, Commonwealth companies and prescribed authorities have an obligation to investigate public interest disclosures.

Protections under the PID Act

The PID Act provides certain protection to public officials and former public officials who have made, propose to make or could make a public interest disclosure under the PID Act, including:

• Immunity from civil, criminal and administrative liability (including disciplinary action) in relation to making a PID
• Protection from a reprisal against the public official and former public officials because of a public interest disclosure
• Protection also applies to witnesses who provide assistance in relation to a public interest disclosure

These protections and immunities continue to apply after a PID investigation is finalised. However, the PID Act will not protect a public official and witnesses who knowingly makes a statement that is false or misleading.

Learn more about the Public Interest Disclosure (PID Scheme) www.ombudsman.gov.au