Public Interest Disclosure (PID)

A Public Interest Disclosure (PID) is a disclosure about wrongdoing in the public sector that serves the public interest. 

Rockhampton Regional Council is committed to encouraging internal and external reporting of wrongdoing and acknowledges the value in receiving reports of wrongdoing, and investigating and acting on those reports. 

For an allegation to be considered a PID under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (PID Act) it must be:

  • public interest information about serious wrongdoing or danger
  • an appropriate disclosure
  • made to a proper authority

Public interest information about serious wrongdoing or danger

Any person, including a public sector officer such as a Council employee can make a public interest disclosure about:

  • substantial and specific danger to the health or safety of a person with a disability
  • substantial and specific danger to the environment caused by commission of an offence or contravention of a condition in certain environmental legislation
  • reprisal that occurs after the making of a public interest disclosure.

A public sector officer such as a Council employee can also make a public interest disclosure about:

  • corrupt conduct
  • maladministration that adversely affects a person's interests in a substantial and specific way
  • a substantial misuse of public resources
  • a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety
  • a substantial and specific danger to the environment.

An appropriate disclosure

If you have an honest and reasonable belief that the information you have tends to show the conduct or danger, or if the information tends to show the conduct or danger, it is likely the disclosure will be appropriate. 

Is Rockhampton Regional Council a proper authority?

Yes, Rockhampton Regional Council is authorised under the PID Act to receive and investigate public interest disclosures. 

How to make a PID

A PID can be made in any format, although it is preferred for PIDs to be made in writing. You should disclose as much information as possible to enable Council to respond appropriately.

Please ensure you review the Rockhampton Regional Council Public Interest Disclosure Policy(PDF, 229KB) and Procedure(PDF, 237KB)  prior to submitting.

Rockhampton Regional Council is required to maintain confidentiality of a discloser’s identity, except as allowed under the PID Act. However, you can choose to disclose information anonymously. 

  • Telephone Council on 07 4932 9000;
  • Visit a Customer Service Centre in Rockhampton, Gracemere or Mount Morgan; 
  • Email Council via enquiries@rrc.qld.gov.au; 
  • Write to Council via PO Box 1860, Rockhampton QLD, 4700; or 
  • Fax Council via 07 4936 8862 or 1300 225 579.

More information

Rockhampton Regional Council has adopted a Public Interest Disclosure Policy(PDF, 229KB) and Procedure(PDF, 237KB)  that details how PIDs and disclosers will be managed.

More information is also available via the Queensland Ombudsman as the oversight agency for PIDs.

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