A Public Interest Disclosure is a complaint of corrupt or improper conduct made against a public officer or public body.
Yarra Ranges Council is committed to the principles of the Public Interest Disclosure regime and the objectives of IBAC. Council does not tolerate improper conduct by any public officer, nor the taking of detrimental action against those who come forward to expose such conduct.
Council will take all reasonable steps to receive and appraise disclosures with full confidentiality. It will protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in reprisal for making a disclosure. Council will also afford natural justice to any person who is the subject of a disclosure.
Yarra Ranges Council nominates the following individuals within council as being able to receive disclosures:
- Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator
- Public Interest Disclosure Officers
- Direct and indirect supervisors and managers
The Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator, Public Interest Disclosure Officers and direct/indirect supervisors and managers will take all necessary steps to ensure that the identity of the person making a disclosure and the person who is subject of the disclosure are kept confidential. Where necessary, all relevant officers will arrange for appropriate welfare support for the person making a disclosure .
Disclosures about Council or Council staff can be made directly to IBAC or to Yarra Ranges Council for assessment. Disclosures about Councillors must be made directly to IBAC.
Disclosures may be made by employees or by members of the public.
Part 2 of the Public Interest Disclosure Act provides that a person may make a disclosure:
- In person or via phone
- In writing – letter or email
- Anonymously
Disclosures should be made to the Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator:
Marissa Gardiner - Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator
Yarra Ranges Council
PO Box 105
Lilydale VIC 3140
Phone 1300 368 333 or email m.gardiner@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Disclosures can also be made directly to IBAC:
Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC)
IBAC, GP Box 24234, Melbourne Victoria 3000
Internet: www.ibac.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 735 135
All disclosures about Councillors should be directed to IBAC.
Once it is determined that the disclosure is a Public Interest Disclosure, Yarra Ranges Council will refer the matter to IBAC. IBAC will then determine if the Public Interest Disclosure is a Public Interest Complaint. The person making the complaint will be kept informed of the action in relation to his or her disclosure, and the time frames that apply.
These procedures are designed to complement normal methods of submitting complaints to Yarra Ranges Council and existing communication channels between supervisors and employees.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact Council with any complaints or concerns about council or council employees.
Employees are encouraged to raise matters at any time with their supervisors.
To find further information about our policies and procedures for making a complaint, please refer to our Customer Complaint Policy.
For further information and guidance on the new legislation or any other matters, please refer to the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission website.