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Public Interest Disclosure

Ethical and transparent culture

Mornington Shire Council is committed to fostering an ethical, transparent culture. In pursuit of this, Mornington Shire Council values the disclosure of information about suspected wrongdoing in the public sector so that it can be properly assessed and, if necessary, appropriately investigated. Mornington Shire Council will provide support to an employee or others who make disclosures about matters in the public interest. This Procedure demonstrates this commitment, and ensures that practical and effective procedures are implemented which comply with the requirements of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (PID Act).

A public interest disclosure is a disclosure about wrongdoing in the public sector that serves the public interest. For an allegation to be considered a public interest disclosure under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (the PID Act) it must be:

  • public interest information about serious wrongdoing or danger
  • an appropriate disclosure
  • made to a proper authority.

For a report to be considered as a PID, it must be from any persons with suspicions, concerns and/or information about:

  • A substantial and specific danger to the health and safety of all persons with a disability
  • An offence endangering the environment
  • Conduct which could be a reprisal

As defined in the PID Act a public officer (a person who is an employee, member or officer of a public sector entity) can make a PID if they have suspicions, concerns and/or information about:

  • Official misconduct
  • Maladministration
  • An offence endangering the environment
  • Misuse of public resources

What should a PID include?

The PID should identify the incident or issue of concern in sufficient detail to enable an appropriate investigation to be conducted. Depending on the circumstances, disclosures should supply:

  • The name and contact details of the discloser (desirable)
  • The nature of the alleged wrongdoings
  • Who they think was responsible for the alleged wrongdoing (if possible)
  • When and where the alleged wrongdoing occurred
  • Events surrounding the issue
  • Whether they did anything in response to the alleged wrongdoing
  • Others who know about the alleged wrongdoing and have allowed it to continue

Making a public interest disclosure

Disclosures under the PID Act must be made to a proper authority:

  • In Person: Chief Executive Officer 1 Mission Road, Gununa QLD 4892
  • In Writing  STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL Chief Executive Officer Mornington Shire Council 1 Mission Road Gununa QLD 4892
  • Phone    (07) 4745 7800  Request to be transferred to the Chief Executive Officer

Public Interest Disclosure Policy

Mornington Shire Council has adopted a PID Policy which can be viewed below.

Where do I get more information?

  • For more information refer to Council’s PID Policy.
  • The Queensland Ombudsman is the oversight body of Public Sector agencies for PIDs and Fact sheets and information guidelines regarding PIDs and your rights and obligations under the PID Act are available from The Queensland Ombudsman.
  • Visit the Queensland Government’s website on the conduct and performance relating to ethics and other matters.

 

Applications relating to ‘personal information’ do not require an application fee.

 

You will be given notices outlining:

  • That you are required to pay a charge
  • What the estimated charge may be
  • What the basis is for calculating the estimate
  • That you can consult with the agency to amend the application in order to reduce the charge
  • That you must agree in writing to pay the application charge, withdraw or request waiver of charges on the grounds of financial hardship.

Contact Us

For more information contact the Governance Co-ordinator:

Governance Co-ordinator
Email:  governance@mornington.qld.gov.au
Phone: 07 4745 7800