Oversee public interest disclosures (whistleblowing)

The NSW Ombudsman oversees the operation of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 (PID Act) across the NSW public sector.

We promote awareness and understanding of the PID Act. We also monitor the public interest disclosure system and make recommendations to Parliament on how it could be improved.

Our Public Interest Disclosures Unit plays a central role in fulfilling these responsibilities.

Our office can also help public sector staff thinking about making a public interest disclosure (whistleblowing).

Support for public sector agencies and staff

We provide information and resources to help public authorities manage and report public interest disclosures.

We also provide guidance for public officials about the protections of the PID Act.

Read more about Handling public interest disclosures.

Reporting to Parliament

We monitor the operation of the public interest disclosure system to make sure it's working the way it should.

Agencies must report disclosure data to the NSW Ombudsman every 6 months. We analyse and report on this data every year to Parliament. We can make recommendations to government on proposals to change law or policy.

We audit agencies to review whether they comply with the PID Act and report on this to Parliament. For example, we may review agency policies or disclosure handling procedures. We can offer agencies advice to improve their handling of disclosures.

Read more about Reporting public interest disclosure data.

Public Interest Disclosures Steering Committee

The NSW Ombudsman chairs a Steering Committee of representatives from NSW integrity agencies and the public sector.

The role of the Public Interest Disclosures Steering Committee is to:

  • consider reports from the NSW Ombudsman in relation to the PID Act
  • advise the Premier on the operation of the PID Act
  • make recommendations for reform.

The Steering Committee reports its work and activities to the NSW Parliament through annual reports.

Steering Committee members

Other members of the Steering Committee are:

  • Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet
  • Auditor General
  • Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption
  • Chief Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission
  • Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government
  • Police Commissioner
  • Information Commissioner
  • Public Service Commissioner.

Members may appoint a nominee to act in their place.

For more information, see Public Interest Disclosures Steering Committee terms of reference.