The Government is fully committed to protecting public employees who make disclosures concerning corrupt conduct, maladministration and serious and substantial waste of public money.

As you would be aware, the Protected Disclosures Act 1994 came into effect on 1 March 1995 for the purpose of protecting public employees making such disclosures.

Accordingly, I wish to confirm the requirement that all public agencies establish internal reporting procedures for protective disclosures (Premier's Department Circular No. 95-3,14 February 1995). While existing procedures for dealing with employee grievances may be used as the basis for internal reporting of protected disclosures, it is essential that employees are informed of the procedures for making protected disclosures and the protection provided by the Protected Disclosures Act 1994.

To assist in this task, an updated summary of the provisions of the Act can be found in the attachment to this circular.

Any enquiries concerning this matter may be directed to Mary Palaric on telephone 228 5512.

KEN CRIPPS
Commissioner