The PID Act supports DEECA's commitment to the principles of open, honest and accountable governance.

The PID Act:

  • encourages and assists individuals in making disclosures of improper conduct by public officers and public bodies
  • establishes a system for such matters to be confidentially disclosed and impartially investigated
  • provides the discloser with protection from detrimental action taken in reprisal for making a disclosure.

What is a public interest disclosure?

A public interest disclosure is a complaint or allegation made about corrupt conduct, improper conduct or detrimental action.

Corrupt or improper conduct is described within the PID Act as:

  • corrupt conduct and/or
  • any of the following conduct by a public officer or public body in their capacity as a public officer or public body:
    • criminal offence
    • serious professional misconduct
    • dishonest performance of public functions
    • intentional or reckless breach of public trust
    • an intentional or reckless misuse of information
    • an intentional or reckless misuse of information or material acquired in the course of the performance of public functions
    • a substantial mismanagement of public resources
    • a substantial risk to health or safety of a person
    • a substantial risk to the environment
    • conduct by a third party that adversely affects the honest performance of a public officer or public body or is intended to adversely affect effective performance of a public officer or public body while obtaining an advantage for the third party, and/or
    • conduct by a third party that could constitute a conspiracy or attempt to engage in any of the above.

Corrupt conduct includes:

  • taking or offering bribes
  • dishonestly using influence
  • committing fraud, theft or embezzlement
  • misusing information or material acquired at work
  • conspiring or attempting to engage in the above corrupt activity.

Corruption can occur through:

  • improper or unlawful actions by public sector staff or agencies
  • failure of public sector staff or agencies to act
  • actions of private individuals who try to improperly influence public sector functions or decisions.

Detrimental action includes:

  • action causing injury
  • loss or damage
  • intimidation or harassment
  • discrimination
  • disadvantage or adverse treatment in relation to a person’s employment, career, profession, trade or business, including the taking of disciplinary action.

How do I make a public interest disclosure?

Any person can make a public interest disclosure. You may remain anonymous if you wish. However, if you remain anonymous you may not be considered for the protections you could be entitled to.

To make a disclosure you may contact:

DEECA PID Coordinator

Telephone: 1800 903 877

Email: disclosures@deeca.vic.gov.au

In writing: marked private and confidential
Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator
PO Box 500
Melbourne VIC 8001

IBAC

Telephone: 1300 735 135

Website: www.ibac.vic.gov.au

In writing:
GPO Box 24234
Melbourne Vic 3001

How is a public interest disclosure handled?

If you submit your disclosure to DEECA:

It will be referred to DEECA’s Public Interest Disclosure (PID) Coordinators who will assess it against the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission of Victoria (IBAC) public interest disclosure assessment framework.

  • If your disclosure does meet these criteria, it will be referred to IBAC to determine if it is a Public Interest Complaint (PIC).
  • If your disclosure does not meet the criteria for referral to IBAC it may be handled through DEECA’s usual complaint-handling processes.
  • IBAC must dismiss, investigate or refer the disclosure to another body to investigate (often to the Victorian Ombudsman, or with your consent back to the department).
    • IBAC may also determine that the complaint does not meet the criteria of a PIC and refer it back to DEECA to be investigated.

For more information please see DEECA’s:

Page last updated: 09/01/26