Legislative Requirements

Public Interest Disclosure

The purpose of the Public Interest Disclosure Act is to provide legal protection from civil, criminal or disciplinary action, to those people who expose improper or corrupt behaviour in the course of their duties. For protection to be granted under the act, the "whistleblower" must believe on reasonable grounds that the information provided was true or might be true. It is also important to note that the act is retrospective, i.e. there is no time limit to the act and disclosures may relate to matters which occurred prior to 1 July 2003.

Further details about the act can be obtained from the Public Sector Commission.

The act places stringent requirements on the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) to investigate complaints, take remedial action where necessary and keep whistleblowers informed of the action taken, or to be taken, and ensure that whistleblowers are free from victimisation.

It is important to note that the act does not confer additional powers upon the RIA to investigate or take action in relation to public interest disclosures. Instead, it provides protection to persons who make disclosures that may result in the RIA exercising its existing powers to investigate and take action in relation to such a disclosure.

How do I make a public interest disclosure?

If you wish to make a Public Interest Disclosure you are encouraged to report it to one of the following Rottnest Island Authority’s Public Interest Disclosure Officers:

Peta Davis
A/Director Corporate Services
peta.davis@dbca.wa.gov.au
+61 8 9432 9360

Jeremy Lim
Manager Audit, Integrity and Risk, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
jeremy.lim@dbca.wa.gov.au
+61 8 9219 9166

Alternatively you can mail your report to any of the above to the following postal address:
PO Box 693, Fremantle WA 6959.

You can make an anonymous disclosure.

It is important that you read and fully understand your rights and obligations of the act before you make such a disclosure. Advice on this can be obtained by contacting one of the Rottnest Island Authority’s Public Interest Disclosure Officers or the Public Sector Commission’s Public Interest Disclosure Advice and Referral Line at: 1800 676 607

Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act 1992 gives the public a right to apply for access to documents held by the Rottnest Island Authority. To find out more about Freedom of Information (FOI) and how to lodge an application please see our Information Statement.

Helpful Resources

Public Sector Commission
Corruption and Crime Commission
Office of the Auditor General
WA Police
Ombudsman of Western Australia