In some circumstances, IBAC may decide your complaint is a public interest disclosure (previously known as protected disclosure or 'whistleblower' complaints).
We assess every complaint we receive as a potential public interest disclosure.
Additionally, we receive and assess potential disclosures as notified by other public sector agencies, as well as allegations of harm to an individual for making a public interest disclosure.
What legal protections do disclosers receive?
If your complaint is assessed as a public interest disclosure:
- we will never publicise your name
- you and your family, friends and colleagues will be protected from being fired or bullied for making a complaint
- you will receive protection from defamation and detrimental action in reprisal for making a public interest disclosure
- you will receive immunity from:
- civil or criminal liability as well as administrative action (including disciplinary action) for making the disclosure
- committing an offence under the Constitution Act 1975 (Vic) or any other Act that imposes obligations of confidentiality or otherwise restricts the disclosure of information
- breaching any other obligation (made by oath or rule of law or practice) requiring the maintenance of confidentiality or otherwise restricting the disclosure of information.
Who you can complain to
Most public sector bodies have a Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator to help support and protect staff in making disclosures.
If your agency doesn’t have a Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator to speak to, you can contact IBAC directly.
Anyone can complain to us about public sector corruption and police misconduct. Find out how.
Are you a Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator?
We provide more information and resources to help you receive potential disclosures, and manage the welfare of disclosers.