Dealing with anonymous voluntary PIDs

Even though there is a duty on agencies to keep the identity of public interest disclosure (PID) makers confidential, some public officials may still not wish to identify themselves when making PIDs for fear of detrimental action or other negative consequences, or because they do not wish their colleagues or employer to know they have made a disclosure.

Given that the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (PID Act) allows for anonymous PIDs to be made, it is important for agencies to have an appropriate policy and procedure in place for dealing with anonymous PIDs as well as for protecting the identity of PID makers. With such policies and procedures in place, agencies can encourage staff to disclose serious wrongdoing when they otherwise would not be confident to do so.

This guideline provides an overview of the features of an anonymous voluntary PID. The guideline also provides an overview on an agency’s responsibilities once the anonymous report has been received including assessment of the report, deciding what action to take and assessing the risk of detrimental action.