The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (PID Act) enables people to make disclosures about wrongdoing within the State public sector, local government and public universities without fear of reprisal.
The PID Act aims to ensure openness and accountability in government by encouraging people to make disclosures and protecting them when they do.
Under the PID Act, any person can make a disclosure if they believe something is wrong with the way a public authority, public officer or public sector contractor is acting, or may be going to act, which is of public interest.
This might involve:
- improper conduct
- an offence under State laws (including corruption)
- administration matters
- irregular or unauthorised use of public resources
- substantial mismanagement of public resources
- conduct that involves a substantial and specific risk of injury, prejudice to public safety or harm to the environment.
The PID Act does not confer additional powers on public authorities to investigate or take action in relation to public interest disclosures. Rather, it provides for protection to persons who make disclosures that may result in a proper authority exercising its existing powers to investigate and take action in relation to the subject matter of the disclosure.
Further information
Further information about public interest disclosures can be found on the Public Sector Commission's website, including a guide for making disclosures.
Alternatively you can call the Public Sector Commission’s Public Interest Disclosure Advisory Line on 08 6552 8888.
How do I make a public interest disclosure to the ERA?
The ERA has three public interest disclosure officers. They are:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Director, Corporate Services
- Manager, Human Resources
These officers can be contacted by:
- Email: PID@erawa.com.au
- In person: Level 4, Albert Facey House, 469 Wellington Street, Perth WA 6000
- Post: PO Box 8469 Perth BC WA 6849
Please mark any correspondence to the Public Interest Disclosure Officer and mark it "Private and Confidential".
All contact and related discussions are treated in the strictest confidence, in accordance with the requirements of the PID Act.
Download the Public Interest Disclosure application form
Anyone wishing to make a public interest disclosure is encouraged to complete a Public Interest Disclosure lodgement form. Once received, the ERA will investigate the disclosure in accordance with the prescribed procedures and guidelines. It is important that you read and fully understand your rights and obligations of the PID Act before you make such a disclosure. We recommend you seek advice before making a public interest disclosure application.
Download the Public Interest Disclosure application form
