Public Interest Disclosure

What is a Public Interest Disclosure?

A Public Interest Disclosure (PID) is a statement of wrongdoing of a public sector agency that serves public interest.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (PID Act) aims to ensure openness and accountability in government by encouraging people to make disclosures and protecting them when they do.

If you have seen, heard or know of something which you believe is unlawful or improper, this could be public interest information under the Act. Reporting wrongdoing or 'whistleblowing' is a serious matter and in many cases it takes courage for people to come forward. In exchange for that courage, the PID Act provides them with protection against reprisals.

Further information and advice on making a public interest disclosure can be found on the Public Sector Commission website.

Making a disclosure

Disclosures can not be made to anyone, and must be directed to an approved Public Interest Disclosure Officer (PID Officer). PID Officers can also provide advice on the best way to make a disclosure, and must be engaged prior to making a disclosure.

Access a current list of PID Officers in Western Australia.

When making a disclosure, the discloser must:

  • Believe on reasonable grounds the information is or may be true
  • consider the disclosure to be public interest information
  • ensure the disclosure is made to the appropriate proper authority (an authorised PID Officer).

CAHS PID guidelines

A set of PID Guidelines have been developed to facilitate disclosures of public interest information being made under the PID Act and provides a guide to all parties (including management, appointed Public Interest Disclosure Officers (PID Officers), potential disclosers and people against whom a disclosure has been made as to how PID is to be facilitated within CAHS.

CAHS is committed to the aims and objectives of the PID Act. It recognises the value and importance of contributions of staff to enhance transparent and accountable administrative and management practices and strongly supports disclosures being made by staff as to corrupt or other improper conduct.

All reasonable steps will be taken by CAHS in order to provide protection to staff that make disclosures from any detrimental action in reprisal or victimisation for making of a public interest disclosure.

CAHS will not condone any of its officers, employees or contractors engaging in acts of victimisation or reprisal against those who make public interest disclosures.

CAHS acknowledges that deciding to make a disclosure under the PID Act is not an easy decision to make and deserves to be recognised as ethical and courageous, and can make a valuable contribution to the organisation and to the public health system.

Download the CAHS PID Guidelines (PDF 935KB) and CAHS PID Policy (262kb).

Last Updated: 06/07/2023