Review of the Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (VIC)

Throughout the course of investigations conducted for the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Committee’s report – Strengthening Victoria’s Anti-corruption Agencies, the Committee became aware of a number of concerns about the operation of the protected disclosure regime. A protected disclosure is a disclosure about suspected wrongdoing in the public sector.

The Committee has determined to seek further information about the protected disclosure regime, including any further concerns about its operation, the ways in which it could be enhanced and intends to report to Parliament on the results.

To assist in its work, the Committee has received submissions from individuals, groups and organisations in relation to the following issues:

• What works well in the current Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (Vic)?
• What are some of the challenges with the Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (Vic)?
• Are the provisions relating to assessment and investigation of protected disclosure complaints appropriate, or should alternatives be considered?
• Is the type of conduct that can be disclosed under the Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (Vic) appropriate, or should it be expanded?
• Are the current confidentiality and secrecy provisions effective? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
• Are the protections for individuals from detrimental or retributive action sufficient? Should they be changed?