Commonwealth Ombudsman report on the operation of the Public Interest Disclosure Act

Today, the Government tabled the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s first 6-monthly report on the operation of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (PID Act).

In 2023, the Albanese Government enacted significant improvements to the PID Act. The report tabled today shows that the Government’s reforms to the PID Act are working.

The Government’s reforms improved protections for disclosers and witnesses, ensured the scheme was targeted to integrity-related wrongdoing, and increased oversight, including by increasing the frequency of the Ombudsman’s reporting to the Parliament.

The report shows that disclosures are being made and, as appropriate, allocated and investigated.

The Government is committed to strengthening the public sector whistleblowing framework and is considering further reforms to improve whistleblower protections.

The report is available on the Parliament of Australia website.

For more information on the scheme, visit the Public interest disclosure webpage on the Commonwealth Ombudsman website.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring appropriate supports and protections are available for public officials and witnesses who make disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.

“Through more frequent reporting on the operation of the Act, the Government is strengthening public confidence in the proper operation of government departments and agencies.

“The Government will continue to consider further reforms to the Public Interest Disclosure Act to ensure the Act is fit-for-purpose.”