We are committed to the aims and objectives of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012
We do not tolerate improper conduct by our employees, officers or members, or acts of retaliation against those who come forward to disclose such conduct.
We recognise the value of transparency and accountability in our administrative and management practices, and support the making of disclosures.
The Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 replaced the previous Protected Disclosure Act 2012 on 1 January 2020. The procedures for handling disclosures have been prepared in accordance with guidelines set out by the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC).
The objective of the Act is to:
The Act applies to Administrators and Council employees of Whittlesea City Council.
Anyone can make a disclosure if they have reasonable grounds to believe that improper conduct or detrimental action has occurred.
A complaint should clearly show or suggest improper conduct or detrimental action by a public officer:
People seeking protection under the Act should carefully consider whether their complaint meets these basic thresholds above before reporting.
Full definitions of improper conduct and detrimental action can be found in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012 Procedures.
Disclosures regarding Whittlesea employees should be made to a Public Interest Disclosure Officer as per below. You can also make a disclosure directly to the IBAC.
Disclosures regarding Whittlesea Administrators should be made directly to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission:
Where a disclosure is made directly to Council and Council determines that the information disclosed is likely to constitute a Public Interest Complaint, it will refer the matter to IBAC for review.
IBAC will determine who will investigate the matter and may refer the disclosure back to Council depending on the nature of the complaint.
Specific timeframes apply, and the discloser will be informed of actions taken throughout the process.
These procedures are designed to complement Council’s complaint handling and resolution procedures.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact Council with any complaints or concerns they may have about Council or Council employees.
See more about our Complaints handling and resolution procedures.