Public Interest Disclosure

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is committed to integrity, accountability and transparency. 

Council’s Public Interest Disclosure (PID) Policy outlines how Council manages disclosures in compliance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (Qld). Council is required to properly assess and investigate public interest disclosures and protect people who make them. 

What is a Public Interest Disclosure? 

A Public Interest Disclosure is a report made in the public interest about serious wrongdoing or danger. A disclosure can be made by any person or, in some cases, by a public officer, depending on the type of issue being reported. 

Who can make a PID? 

Any person can make a PID about:

  • A substantial and specific danger to the health or safety of a person with a disability
  • An offence that endangers the environment
  • Reprisal, or conduct that could be a reprisal, against a person who has made, or may make, a PID

Public officers can also make a PID about:

Council employees, Councillors, and officers of public sector entities may make a PID where they have information about suspected wrongdoing, misconduct, or risks to the public interest.

A public officer may make a PID if they have information or concerns about:

 

  • Corrupt conduct
  • Maladministration that adversely affects a person's interests
  • Misuse of public resources
  • A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety
  • A substantial and specific danger to the environment

What information should be included?

To allow Council to properly assess and investigate a PID, disclosures should include as much detail as possible, including: 

  • Your name and contact details (encouraged but not required) 

  • A description of the alleged wrongdoing or issue 

  • Who you believe was involved (if known) 

  • When and where the incident occurred 

  • Any surrounding events or relevant background 

  • Whether any action has already been taken in response 

  • Whether others are aware of the issue or allowed it to continue 

How to make a Public Interest Disclosure 

Disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 must be made to a proper authority. You can make a PID to Hinchinbrook Shire Council using the following methods: 

In person 

Ethical Standards Unit 
25 Lannercost Street 
Ingham QLD 4850 

In writing 

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL 
Ethical Standards Unit 
Hinchinbrook Shire Council 
PO Box 366 
Ingham QLD 4850 

By phone 

(07) 4776 4600
Please request to be transferred to the Ethical Standards Unit 

Protection for disclosers 

The PID Act provides protections for people who make public interest disclosures, including: 

  • Protection from reprisals 

  • Confidential handling of information 

  • Support during and after the disclosure process 

Council takes these obligations seriously. 

Policies and procedures 

Further information 

For more information about Public Interest Disclosures, visit: 

You can also contact Council on (07) 4776 4600. 

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