Report disclosable conduct in the ACT public sector

‘Disclosable conduct’ means an action, policy, practice or procedure of a government organisation, agency or public official that:

• is maladministration (poor management). For example, wasting public money or resources.
• results in a substantial and specific danger to public health, safety or the environment. For example, unsafe practices in a hospital or releasing toxic materials into the environment.

If you suspect misconduct or other wrongdoing that is not disclosable conduct, you can:

• contact the ACT Public Sector Standards Commissioner
• visit the ACT Integrity Commission.

What you can report

Reports must be about serious issues. You can report events that happened in the past or are happening now.

You can report the conduct of any ACT government:

• entity, directorate, agency or employee
• contractor, consultant or volunteer working on projects or on programs funded by the ACT Government.

This includes people responsible for public services, resources and government policies.

What you cannot report

You cannot report personal workplace issues or routine government spending decisions.

For example, disclosable conduct does not include:

• conflict between coworkers
• leave not approved
• decisions about hiring, promotion or transfer
• decisions about employment terms and conditions
• decisions to discipline someone, suspend or end their employment.

Protection when you report

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012 protects you when you speak up about disclosable conduct. This helps keep government honest and fair.

• No one can fire, harass or discriminate against you.
• You cannot be sued or held legally responsible for making a report.
• We will keep your name and details private unless you agree, or the law requires us to share them.
• If someone harms you because of your report, you may be able to get compensation.
• You can access help, like counselling or advice, during the process.

How to make a report

You can use any of these ways to report disclosable conduct:

• Call or email a disclosure officer (listed on the ACT Integrity Commission website).
• Contact a member of the Legislative Assembly (for example, your local member).
• Fill in the ACT Integrity Commission's online form.
• Speak to your manager (or HR) if you work in the public sector.

You do not need to tell us your name when you report.

Contact a disclosure officer from our directorates

After you make a report

The Disclosure Officer will check if your report is about disclosable conduct and made in good faith. If it is, they will send it to the ACT Integrity Commissioner to assess.

More information