Public Interest Disclosure (PID) Policy

Bellingen Shire Council is committed to promoting integrity, transparency and accountability across its operations.

The Public Interest Disclosure (PID) Policy(PDF, 694KB) sets out how Council supports staff and councillors to report serious wrongdoing without fear of reprisal. It complies with the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (NSW) and aligns with guidance provided by the NSW Ombudsman, the oversight body responsible for the administration of the PID Act.

This policy outlines:

  • What constitutes a public interest disclosure

  • Who can make a disclosure

  • Who disclosures can be made to within Council

  • How reports will be assessed and managed

Who is this policy for?

This policy applies to:

  • Council staff (including permanent, temporary, casual and contract employees)

  • Councillors

  • Volunteers and work experience participants

  • Contractors and subcontractors

  • Consultants

  • Any person who performs work on behalf of or in connection with Council

Anyone in the above groups can report wrongdoing they reasonably believe is serious and relates to the conduct of Council, its workers, or Councillors.

Disclosures can relate to issues such as corrupt conduct, serious maladministration, serious and substantial waste of public money, government information contraventions, or privacy breaches.

To find out more or to make a disclosure, please refer to the PID Policy(PDF, 694KB) or contact one of Council’s authorised disclosure officers.

Related Information

Back to top