From 1 January 2020 the Protected Disclosure Act 2012 became the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (the Act).
The Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) is committed to the aims and objectives of the Act. It does not tolerate improper conduct by its employees, officers or members, nor the taking of reprisals against those who come forward to disclose such conduct.
DTF recognises the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices, and supports the making of disclosures that reveal corrupt conduct, conduct involving a substantial mismanagement of public resources, or conduct involving a substantial risk to public health and safety or the environment.
DTF will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in reprisal for making the disclosure. It will also afford natural justice to the person who is the subject of the disclosure.
What is improper conduct?
Improper conduct includes:
- Corrupt conduct and/or any of the following conduct by a public officer or public body in their capacity as a public officer or public body:
- a criminal offence
- serious professional misconduct
- dishonest performance of public functions
- an intentional breach or reckless breach of public trust
- an intentional or reckless misuse of information or material acquired in the course of the performance of public functions
- a substantial mismanagement of public resources
- a substantial risk to the health or safety of one or more persons
- a substantial risk to the environment.
- Conduct by a third party that adversely affects the honest performance of a public officer or public body or is intended to adversely affect effective performance of a public officer or public body while obtaining an advantage for the third party; and/or
- Conduct by a third party that could constitute a conspiracy or attempt to engage in any of the above.
The Act requires that the above conduct would, if proven, be a criminal offence or constitute reasonable grounds for dismissal.
How do I make a disclosure?
A disclosure is an allegation of improper or corrupt conduct. Disclosures of improper conduct or detrimental action by DTF or its employees may be made in writing or by telephone to the Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator:
Mike Jeanes
Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator
Corporate Performance
Department of Treasury and Finance
GPO Box 4379
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Email: mike.jeanes@dtf.vic.gov.au
Disclosures may also be made directly to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC):
Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission(opens in a new window)
Level 1, North Tower
459 Collins Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Tel: 1300 735 135
DTF's Annual Report contains the Department's disclosures pursuant to the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 and details of the system for reporting and managing disclosures.
Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012(opens in a new window)
Updated