Our standards
DHA is committed to the highest standards of ethical and accountable conduct and encourages people to report suspected wrongdoing in the public sector.
Public officials1 who are aware of suspected wrongdoing in DHA or elsewhere in the Australian Public Service (APS) are encouraged to report such instances in accordance with the provisions of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (PID Act).
We will do our best to ensure that those who report, or who are considering making a report, are properly supported and protected from any adverse consequence related to the reporting.
What should I disclose?
You may disclose the following types of suspected wrongdoing:
- Contravention of a law
- Corruption
- Conduct that perverts the course of justice
- Wastage of public funds
- Conduct that is an abuse of public trust
- Conduct that unreasonably endangers health and safety or endangers the environment
- Misconduct relating to scientific research, analysis or advice
- Maladministration, including conduct that is unjust, oppressive or negligent
- Conduct that is an abuse of a public official's position
- Conduct that, if proved, would result in disciplinary action against a public official.
How do I make a disclosure?
A disclosure must be made in accordance with the provisions of the PID Act. In summary:
- any disclosure should be made to DHA's Authorised Officers.
- disclosures can be made in person, by phone, or in writing; including email.
- you can remain anonymous, although an investigation may not be able to proceed if an Authorised Officer cannot contact you to seek further information.
How will disclosures be managed?
Disclosures, including any investigation, will be handled by DHA's Authorised Officers in accordance with the requirements of the PID Act and DHA's PID Procedures.
What support will I receive?
DHA will ensure that those who report, or who are considering making a report, are properly supported and protected from any adverse consequence relating to the reporting.
Where can I find further information?
The Commonwealth Ombudsman has published the following information:
1Public officials include current or former Commonwealth public servants, parliamentary service employees, service providers engaged under a Commonwealth contract, statutory office holders, staff of Commonwealth companies and employees engaged through recruitment agencies. A public official can also include any other person deemed by an authorised officer to be a public official for the purposes of the PID Act.