Ombudsman's Public Interest Disclosure Annual Report 2021-22

The NSW Ombudsman’s 2021/22 annual report on public interest disclosures (PIDs) across NSW was tabled in Parliament today.

The report, titled Oversight of Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 Annual Report 2021-22, highlights the following findings from the information received from NSW public authorities:

• 79% of public authorities reported not receiving any PIDs in 2021–22. (This was only slightly lower than previous years).
• Of more than 400 public authorities across NSW, 75 public authorities reported that they had received a PID
• In total, 382 PIDs were reported as having been received across all public authorities
• State government agencies reported the highest number of PIDs followed by Local Health Districts and Local Government
• Of the independent investigating authorities, the ICAC continues to receive the highest number of PIDs, including reports It received under section 11 of the ICAC Act (which imposes a duty on the heads of public authorities to report any matter that may concern possible corrupt conduct to the ICAC).

Under the PID Act, all NSW public authorities must report on a six-monthly basis to the Ombudsman on the number of PIDs they receive.

Under the new Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022, which is due to commence in October 2023, the Ombudsman will be able to publish more comprehensive data on PIDs received, as well as the details of any agencies that fail to submit the required information to the Ombudsman.