How to handle PIDs

The Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 (PID Act 1994) provides for certain protections for public officials who report certain types of wrongdoing in their workplace – or another public authority. The PID Act is part of a framework of integrity legislation to help strengthen the public sector.

People who report wrongdoing are giving agencies an opportunity to investigate a possible problem and take appropriate steps to deal with it. Having robust systems in place to deal with allegations of wrongdoing can help strengthen the integrity of the public sector and public confidence in it.

All public sector agencies must have systems to deal with allegations of wrongdoing. Your internal reporting policy – sometimes called PID policy – should explain how to assess whether allegations of wrongdoing are PIDs, and the processes for handling them. For more information, see PID responsibilities for public authorities.

Who can make a PID

A PID can only be made by a current NSW public official. They can make a PID about another public official or any public authority – not just the public authority they work for.

Read more about who can make a PID.

Who can receive a PID

For a person to be protected by the PID Act, they need to make their PID to the right person.

Read more about who can receive a PID.

Assessing whether a report is a PID

Criteria to help you assess if a report of wrongdoing is a PID under the PID Act.

Read more about how to assess if a report is a PID.

Managing a PID

How to manage PIDs in accordance with legal requirements, particularly the PID Act.

Read more about managing a PID.

Protections when making a PID

The PID Act provides public officials with certain legal protections when they make a PID.

Read more about how people are protected when making a PID.