Public Interest Disclosure

A Public Interest Disclosure (PID) is when someone reports suspected wrongdoing in the public sector. Council is committed to protecting anyone who comes forward to report these kinds of issues.

What Qualifies as a PID?

For a report to count as a PID, it must:

  • Share information as specified in the Act
  • Be made in the public interest
  • Be reported to the proper authority

Once a report is considered a PID, it gets protections under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2010..

To handle PIDs properly, Council has adopted the:

Who Can You Report To?

To decide if Council is the right place to make your report, think about who and what the report is about. Council can receive a PID if

  • The report is about the conduct of the Council or its employees.
  • The Council is responsible for investigating certain issues. For example, the Crime and Corruption Commission can get PIDs about official misconduct.

If Council is the right place to make your report, you should submit your PID to the Chief Executive Officer. Reports can be made verbally, in writing, or using the online form linked below.

What Can You Report?

Members of the public can report a PID for:

  • A serious and specific danger to public health and safety, or to a person with a disability
  • A significant breach of environmental law that poses a specific danger to the environment
  • A reprisal (explained below)

What is a Reprisal?

A reprisal happens if someone tries to harm you because they think you:

  • Have made, or plan to make, a PID
  • Have taken part in, or plan to take part in, procedures under the PID Act

If it’s not clear whether a report is a Public Interest Disclosure (PID) under the Act, it will be treated as a PID, and the Act will apply.

How to Submit a PID

There's no specific format needed to make a Public Interest Disclosure (PID). However, for the best assessment and outcome, it's best to:

  • Make the PID in writing (if possible)
  • Include all available information

You can also make a PID verbally.

Use the Public Interest Disclosures online form below to submit your PID.

Be ready to provide supporting evidence to help with the investigation.

Can You Remain Anonymous?

You can make a PID anonymously. However, the Council prefers if you identify yourself. This helps in two main ways:

  • Better assessment and investigation of the PID
  • Ensuring you get the right support

If you decide to stay anonymous, please provide as much information as possible in your report. This will help in properly assessing and investigating the PID. Remember, anonymous disclosers won’t be informed about the investigation results. Because of this, some protections in the Act may not apply.

Your Responsibilities When Making a PID

When making a PID, you must:

  • Provide honest and accurate information. Giving false or misleading information is a crime.
  • Give all the information you have. Don't try to investigate the matter yourself.
  • Report the PID to someone you believe is the right authority to receive it.

Need More Information?

For questions or assistance with submitting a PID, contact the PID Coordinator:

  • Email: enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au
  • Phone: 1300 763 903

Additional resources, including fact sheets and information about your rights and obligations, can be found on the Queensland Ombudsman’s website

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