What is a public interest disclosure?

A public interest disclosure is a disclosure by a worker concerning a wrongdoing on the part of their employer. Protected disclosures include information about:

• an alleged criminal offence;

• a failure to comply with a legal obligation;

• a miscarriage of justice;

• a breach of health and safety such that an individual has been, is, or is likely to be endangered;

• damage to the environment; or

• the deliberate concealment, or likely deliberate concealment, of information about one of the above.

Workers are protected from dismissal or detriment because of making a public interest disclosure (known as whistleblowing).

A disclosure is not protected unless the worker reasonably believes that the disclosure is made in the public interest.