Public Interest Disclosure

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 Western Australia facilitates the disclosure of public interest information such as information about wrongdoings within agencies such as Pilbara Ports. The Act also provides a system for the matters disclosed to be investigated and for appropriate action to be taken without fear of reprisal for the discloser. 

Wrongdoings may include:

• Administrative matters covered by the Ombudsman
• An offence under state law
• Improper conduct
• Substantial misuse or mismanagement of public resources
• Substantial risk of injury to public health, safety or the environment

The Act ensures openness and accountability within government by encouraging people to make disclosures and protect them when they do, this also includes the subject of disclosure.

Our obligations

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 WA requires Pilbara Ports to prepare and publish internal procedures relating to our obligations under the Act. 

The Public Interest Disclosure Procedure outlines how the Pilbara Ports complies with the requirements of the Act, including the following:

• Assessing a public interest disclosure
• Designation of a Public Interest Disclosure Officer
• Form of public interest disclosure
• Investigate a public interest disclosure
• Maintaining confidentiality of an investigation
• Receiving public interest disclosures
• Recording the outcome of an investigation
• Taking action following an investigation

Records of all public interest disclosures will be kept confidentially by and reports will be published in compliance with the Act.

Important things to remember

If you intend making a public interest disclosure concerning Pilbara Ports performance of its statutory functions:

• Be discreet with your intentions to make a disclosure
• Check your information is or may be accurate
• Do not breach confidentiality after you have made a disclosure
• Penalties or imprisonment may apply if the Act is contravened
• Seek advice from the Pilbara Ports Public Interest Disclosure Officer before making your disclosure
• You must make your disclosure to the proper authority in order to be protected under the Act