What is a public interest disclosure?

A public interest disclosure is when someone reports serious wrongdoing in the public sector, including:

• improper conduct (such as serious misconduct or corruption), or 
• detrimental action taken against a person for making or assisting with a disclosure.

Any person or group of persons can make a public interest disclosure. 

How public interest disclosures are handled

• Austin Health will assess complaints about improper conduct or detrimental action to identify whether they may be public interest disclosures
• If appropriate, Austin Health may refer individuals to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC). Alternatively, individuals may make their disclosure directly to IBAC 
• Only IBAC can formally determine whether a disclosure meets the criteria under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (Vic)
• If a disclosure is assessed by IBAC, certain legal protections may apply
• Austin Health will support and protect individuals involved once notified of a disclosure

Visit the IBAC website for more information on public interest disclosures.

Possible public interest disclosure procedure