Public Interest Disclosure

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 came into effect in January 2014 to encourage staff who work in the public sector to disclose suspected unlawful or improper conduct. The ASC encourages the disclosure of information about actual or suspected wrongdoing and protects and supports people who make disclosures, ensuring that disclosures are appropriated investigated and acted upon.

The PID Act promotes integrity and accountability across the Australian public sector by:

  • encouraging people to disclose information about wrongdoing in the public sector;
  • ensuring that people who disclose information are supported and protected from any reprisal or detrimental action; and
  • ensuring that agencies properly investigate and deal with disclosed information about wrong doing.

Under the Act, disclosable conduct includes conduct which:

  • contravenes a law
  • is corrupt
  • perverts the course of justice
  • results in wastage of public funds or property
  • is an abuse of public trust
  • unreasonably endangers health and safety or endangers the environment
  • is misconduct relating to scientific research, analysis or advice
  • is maladministration, including conduct that is unjust, oppressive or negligent.

How to make a Public Interest Disclosure

All current and former ASC staff, contractors and other public officials may make a disclosure to the ASC. The identity of a person who makes a disclosure will be kept confidential as far as practicable. It is a criminal offence to take or threaten to take a reprisal, such as discriminatory treatment, termination of employment or injury, against someone because they make a disclosure.

The ASC has developed a form to facilitate the reporting of a disclosure under the PID Act. The form request only the necessary information to provide when making a public interest disclosure.

ASC Public Interest Disclosure Form

Once the form is completed, please email it to pid@ausport.gov.au.

The use of the form is encouraged however public interest disclosures can also be made in person.

To make a disclosure or for more information please contact an ASC Authorised Officer:

Email: pid@ausport.gov.au

Public Interest Disclosure Authorised Officer
Australian Sports Commission
PO Box 176
BELCONNEN ACT 2616

Further information on Public Interest Disclosures including what constitutes a disclosure and processes for managing disclosures can be found on the Commonwealth Ombudsman website.