PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE ACT 2018

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018 (SA) (formerly the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993 (SA)) protects people who disclose information relating to substantial risks to public health, safety or the environment, and public officers who disclose information relating to corruption, misconduct and maladministration in public administration.

Provided the information is reported to an appropriate authority (as specified in the Act, see s 5(5)) or in certain circumstances to a journalist or Member of Parliament, the Act gives immunity to the whistleblower [see s 5]. The Act does not protect people who make false or misleading claims [see s 10]. The person must believe, on reasonable grounds, that the disclosure is true [see ss 5(3) and 5(4)].