What is a public interest disclosure

A public interest disclosure is when you tell an official if you think that someone in a government department has acted in an illegal or dangerous way. These wrongdoings are defined in Queensland's Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (PID Act).

Your complaint has to go to the correct government authority to be classed as a public disclosure statement. After the statement has been made, there's a responsibility by the relevant government department to act on the information or to find a solution.

We manage public interest disclosures in line with the Management of Public Interest Disclosures - Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service policy (PDF, 169.3KB).

Who can make a public interest disclosure

Anyone can make a disclosure for many reasons.

  • A substantial and specific danger to the health or safety of a person with a disability
  • A substantial and specific danger to the environment
  • An environmental offence as described in Schedule 2 of the PID Act 2010
  • The conduct of another person that could, if proven, be a reprisal

If you work for Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) or another public sector agency, there are other reasons that you can make a disclosure.

  • Suspected corrupt conduct as defined in Queensland's Crime and Corruption Act 2001
  • Mismanagement that negatively affects a person’s interests in a substantial and specific way
  • A substantial misuse of public resources
  • A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety

How to make a disclosure

You can make a public interest disclosure to your manager or supervisor if you’re a staff member.

You can contact the complaints resolution manager by:

You can also contact the Chief Executive, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service by writing to PO Box 902, Cairns QLD 4870.

Disclosures can also be made directly to:

Our commitment

We encourage anyone who believes they’ve witnessed wrongdoing to come forward and make a disclosure.

We have an obligation to deal with wrongdoing and want members of the public and staff to feel confident and comfortable making a disclosure.

Our employees have an ethical responsibility to disclose wrongdoing. Section 9 of Queensland's Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 places an obligation on all employees to disclose fraud, corruption and maladministration.

The obligation to report wrongdoing is also reflected in Principle 1 of the Queensland Public Service Code of Conduct.

We believe staff who come forward with disclosures of wrongdoing are acting as exemplary organisational citizens by assisting us in promoting openness, accountability and good management.

Last updated: July 2024

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