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 officials who are aware of suspected wrongdoing (disclosable conduct) in DHA or elsewhere in the Australian Public Service (APS) may make a public interest disclosures in accordance with the provisions of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013(Opens in a new tab/window) (PID Act).
A public official includes but is not limited to, current or former DHA employees, Australian Public Service employees, contracted service providers and anyone employed by them, or statutory office holders.
What should I disclose?
As a public official, you may disclose the following types of suspected wrongdoing, including but not limited to conduct that:
- contravenes a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory
- involves corruption
- perverts the course of justice
- results in a wastage of public funds or property
- is an abuse of public trust or office
- unreasonably results in danger to the health or safety or the environment
- falsifies scientific research, analysis or advice
- constitutes maladministration
- if proved, would result in disciplinary action against a public official.
How do I make a disclosure?
You can make a disclosure to DHA's Authorised Officers or to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. If you are a current public official, you can also make a disclosure to DHA’s Authorised Officers through your supervisor.
You can make a disclosure to DHA's Authorised Officers in person, by phone, or in writing (i.e. by email).
Email: pid@dha.gov.au
Telephone: 139 342
Post: DHA PID Team
PO Box 4923
Kingston ACT 2604
You can choose to remain anonymous. However, DHA:
- may be unable to provide you with the protection, support and updates you are entitled to receive, and
- the 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.
The PID Act provides broad protections for those making or intending to make a public interest disclosure. The PID Act provides public officials with legal remedies to address reprisal action taken against them because of making a public interest disclosure.
Other Commonwealth entities
If you have information about suspected wrongdoing in a Commonwealth entity other than DHA, you should contact an authorised officer in that agency. For example, if your disclosure relates to a current or former member of the Australian Defence Force, you may consider contacting the Department of Defence(Opens in a new tab/window).
Additional information?
The Commonwealth Ombudsman is responsible for administering the PID scheme across all Commonwealth agencies.
Additional information is available at: