Guidance material

Guidelines for handling public interest disclosures

This document provides guidance for people and organisations in the public sector that receive reports about improper conduct and detrimental action that may be public interest disclosures.

For the people who make genuine disclosures about improper conduct, it is critical that these disclosures are promptly and appropriately identified and handled.

These guidelines answer the following questions:

  • What is a public interest disclosure?
  • Who can make a disclosure – and to who?
  • How do I assess if I have received a public interest disclosure?
  • What do I do if I receive a disclosure?
  • What protections does the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (PID Act) provide?
  • What procedures do I need to have in place?

Who should use these guidelines?

These guidelines are a resource for:

  • Public Interest Disclosure Coordinators
  • entities that can receive disclosures (including public service bodies and local councils)
  • Victorian public sector organisations that cannot receive disclosures but may be the subject of a disclosure.

These guidelines should be read in conjunction with IBAC's 'Guidelines for public interest disclosure welfare management'.