The purpose of the
Public Interest Disclosures Act 2002 (the Act) is to encourage and facilitate the making of disclosures about the improper conduct of public officers or public bodies. The Act provides protection to persons who make disclosures in accordance with the Act, and establishes a system by which the matters disclosed can be investigated and action to rectify any deficiencies can be taken.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania is committed to the aims and objectives of the Act. It does not tolerate improper conduct by its employees or officers, or the taking of detrimental action against those who disclose such conduct.
The Department recognises the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices, and supports the making of disclosures that reveal corrupt conduct, conduct involving a substantial mismanagement of public resources, or conduct involving a substantial risk to public health and safety or the environment.
The Department will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in reprisal for making the disclosure. It will also afford natural justice to the person who is the subject of the disclosure.
The procedures below establish a system for reporting disclosures of improper or corrupt conduct by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania or its officers or employees.
The Ombudsman is required to publish a number of guidelines and standards under the Act. These guidelines assist with the interpretation of the Act.
Who may make a Public Interest Disclosure?
Public Interest Disclosures may only be made by current State Service officers or employees, or by contractors or former contractors who have (or have had) a contract with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (formerly Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment) for the supply of goods or services.
Public Interest Disclosure Procedure (PDF 839Kb)
Public Interest Disclosure Lodgement Form (DOCX 56Kb)