Public Interest Disclosures

Purpose

This policy aims to ensure a consistent approach to the administration of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees of Swan Hill Rural City Council (Council), contractors, members of special committees and volunteers.

Policy

Council will not tolerate improper conduct by employees, authorised officers, Councillors, contractors, members of special committees or volunteers, nor the taking of reprisals against those who come forward to disclose such conduct.

Council recognises the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices, and will support the making of disclosures that reveal improper conduct as defined in the accompanying procedure.

Council will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures, or cooperate or intend to cooperate with an investigation from any detrimental action in reprisal for making a disclosure. Council will afford natural justice to the person who is the subject of the disclosure.

Whilst disclosures of alleged improper conduct by Council’s Chief Executive Officer may be made to Council, Council encourages the making of such disclosures directly to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.

Council encourages a ‘speak-up’ culture in relation to reporting of corrupt or improper conduct.

Related Policies / Procedures / Documents

• POL/STAFF100 Staff Code of Conduct Policy
• POL/CORP226 Fraud Control Policy

Related Legislation

• Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012
• Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011

Signed: Scott Barber  (CEO)
Date: 09/05 /2023