Updating the makers of voluntary PIDs and providing supports

It is important for people who report serious wrongdoing to understand how an agency will manage their report and to receive regular updates as the matter progresses. Not only is it an obligation under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (PID Act) for agencies to keep the maker of a voluntary public interest disclosure (PID) informed of the progress of a matter, it also helps to ensure that PID makers feel confident that their concerns are being taken seriously by the agency.

If communication between the agency and the person who made the voluntary PID is not regular and accurate, the PID maker may experience unnecessary stress.

Failure to communicate with the PID maker may also lead them to reveal information about their disclosure to others which could have the potential to increase their risk of being exposed to detrimental action (through a loss of confidentiality) as well as potentially undermining an investigation.

People who report serious wrongdoing should be provided with additional supports, regardless of their risk of detrimental action. Agencies should have a support network in place for PID makers to access as they require.

This guideline outlines the minimum requirements on agencies for updating the maker of a voluntary PID as set out in the PID Act. It also provides guidance about other measures that should be implemented to ensure that reporters are provided with the appropriate support mechanisms.