Managing a PID

You must manage public interest disclosures (PIDs) in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 (PID Act) and other requirements of law and best practice.

For definitions of the types of wrongdoing covered under the PID Act, see Assessing whether a report is a PID.

Follow this guidance once a report of wrongdoing has been assessed as a PID.

Acknowledge the PID

Acknowledge receipt of the PID and provide the reporter with a copy of the internal reporting policy within 45 days – preferably much sooner.

You can use our PID acknowledgment letter template to acknowledge the PID.

Check if the PID should be referred

Determine whether the PID should or may be referred to another agency. For example, the PID and/or conduct may need to be referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) where it involves possible corrupt conduct (section 11 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988).

For external reporting options, see Who can receive a PID.

Decide what action to take

If the PID is not going to be referred or the other agency declines to take any action, determine what action your agency will take to deal with it – for example, the allegations may need to be investigated.

For guidance on investigating PIDs, see Guideline C5 - Investigating public interest disclosures.

Communicate with the reporter

Communicate regularly with the reporter, including advising the reporter of what action has been taken or will be taken in relation to the PID.

Reporters may complain if they believe nothing has happened, or if they are not kept up-to-date with the progress of an investigation. Regular communication can assist with managing expectations and reducing the risks of further complaints, or of the reporter contacting an MP or journalist.

See Supporting staff involved in PIDs.

Keep records

Keep full and accurate records.

Identify opportunities for improvement

Complaints from staff – just like those from the public – often contain valuable information that can be used to fix problems or improve the way an authority operates.

Your investigation should consider whether there are any systemic changes required.

Get help

The NSW Ombudsman provides advice and assistance with handling PIDs and understanding the PID Act. Contact our Public Interest Disclosure Unit on 02 9286 1000 or email pid@ombo.nsw.gov.au