Updated Public Interest Disclosures Policy 2025
Consultation has concluded
Council resolved on 27 October 2025, to place on public online exhibition, an updated draft Public Interest Disclosures Policy.
What is a Public Interest Disclosure?
A public interest disclosure is a situation where a public official (excluding members of the general public) makes a report of inappropriate conduct in relation to the following areas:
- corrupt conduct
- a breach of government information policy
- a failure to comply with local government pecuniary interest requirements
- serious maladministration
- a violation of privacy obligations
- a serious and substantial waste of public money
What is the Public Interest Disclosures Policy?
Council's Public Interest Disclosures Policy is a formal framework that enables Council officials to report serious wrongdoing safely and responsibly. Council is required to have a Public Interest Disclosures Policy under Section 42 of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022. The purpose of this policy is to establish an internal reporting system for staff, Councillors and contractors to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. (Note: complaints cannot be made by the general public under this policy).
What has been changed?
The most significant changes to the Policy are detailed in the Council Report. In summary:
- Development of a new dedicated Public Interest Disclosures Detrimental Action Risk Assessment.
- Additional content on reporting to external integrity agencies, such as the NSW Ombudsman and NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption.
- Expanded content on risk assessments to prevent detrimental action.
- Requiring the appointment of a Council Contact Officer who will provide support to a Public Interest Disclosures Policy Reporter, including providing the Reporter with information about Council’s Public Interest Disclosures Policy processes, updates on how Council is dealing with the report, addressing any concerns, and connecting the Reporter to relevant support options.
- Requiring that Council provide Public Interest Disclosures Policy Reporters with details of the NSW Ombudsman’s whistleblower support function to allow them the opportunity to talk with an independent and impartial Ombudsman officer in a confidential environment about their experience and options.
The updated draft Public Interest Disclosures Policy 2025 is on exhibition from Thursday 30 October 2025 to Thursday 27 November 2025 and can be viewed:
- At Council’s Customer Service Centre, Ground Floor Administration Building, 41 Burelli Street Wollongong, between 9am and 5pm weekdays
- Online via the Document Library
To find out more, you can review the:
- Council Report
- Updated Draft Public Interest Disclosures Policy (changes indicated in red text)
Share your thoughts by:
- Completing the online feedback form
- Emailing records@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
- Writing to Todd Hopwood, Manager Customer Service and Business Integrity, Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821 WOLLONGONG DC NSW 2500
- Phoning 4227 7111
Please provide your feedback by Thursday 27 November 2025. For written, phone and emailed submissions, please quote: 'Updated draft Public Interest Disclosures Policy 2025'. Any submissions become public documents and may be viewed by other persons on request. Please read Council's Privacy Policy before submitting your feedback.
Accessibility and language assistance
If you’re d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or language difficulty, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. If you need an interpreter, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111 for either service.
