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Whistleblower hotline

Page Content

​​​The department’s whistleblower hotline (1800 319 595) is a free call service for people to confidentially report information on bad practices in livestock export and breaches or suspected breaches of export conditions.

whistleblower hotline 1800 319 595​

Please note that this is not a complaints or information service. For complaints or information, please phone 1800 900 090.

Whistleblower online form​

* represents mandatory field

Report online

Include as many details as possible
If it is ok for us to contact you
If it is ok for us to contact you
If it is ok for us to contact you
acknowledge
I acknowledge that the information I am providing may be used for the purposes of investigating illegal activity *

Information to Include

When making a disclosure you should consider providing as many details as possible, to assist us to determine the best course of action, such as:

  • The nature of the wrongdoing
  • The details of the person you think committed the wrongdoing (if the person is a service provider, the provider details and location)
  • When and where the wrongdoing occurred
  • Any relevant events surrounding the wrongdoing
  • Anyone else aware of or involved in the wrongdoing
  • Anyone else who may verify the claims
  • If you did anything in response to the wrongdoing
  • If you are concerned about a possible reprisal
  • Any supporting information (e.g. documents, file notes)
  • Your name and contact details (recommended, however anonymous disclosures can be made)

Your information should be clear and factual. Avoid speculation, personal attacks and emotive language.

Anonymous Disclosers

When making a disclosure you can elect to either identify yourself or make an anonymous disclosure. By identifying yourself, investigators will have the opportunity to clarify information or gather new information you may have.

Information provided is covered by relevant legislation that protects confidential information such as the Privacy Act 1988 and the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

The department has the discretion not to investigate if there are insufficient grounds on which to base an investigation. Where contact details are not provided, additional information cannot be obtained should that be necessary. Anonymous disclosures do not receive updates regarding the outcomes of investigations.

How we deal with the information provided

We value and assess all reports and information that we receive, but not every matter brought to our attention requires us to take regulatory action such as court action. Any inquiries we make will initially focus on the breaches you have disclosed. What is important is that we get the information you believe relates to potential misconduct so we can assess it because it is likely to be valuable to us.

We will contact you by phone (if you have given us those details) and follow up with you to obtain the information you have. We will keep that information and your identity confidential. However, in very limited circumstances – for example, if a court subpoenas us to do so – we may be compelled to provide it. If this happens we will speak with you about that ahead of time and always seek to protect your identity and disclosure.

When we will act on your information

All information, complaints or reports of alleged misconduct and breaches of legislation (including those from whistleblowers) are given an initial assessment by department’s enforcement team.

In the process of our assessment, we will need to take an objective view of the information provided and consider if the core allegation is something we need to make further inquiries about or take action on.

Public Interest Disclosure Act

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (PID Act) encourages and facilitates the making of public interest disclosures by public officials.

All Australian government agencies, Commonwealth companies and prescribed authorities have an obligation to investigate public interest disclosures.

Protections under the PID Act

The PID Act provides certain protection to public officials and former public officials who have made, propose to make or could make a public interest disclosure under the PID Act, including:

  • Immunity from civil, criminal and administrative liability (including disciplinary action) in relation to making a PID
  • Protection from a reprisal against the public official and former public officials because of a public interest disclosure
  • Protection also applies to witnesses who provide assistance in relation to a public interest disclosure

These protections and immunities continue to apply after a PID investigation is finalised. However, the PID Act will not protect a public official and witnesses who knowingly makes a statement that is false or misleading.

Learn more about the Public Interest Disclosure (PID Scheme) www.ombudsman.gov.au

Privacy Statement

Personal information means information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable.

The collection of personal information by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) through this web form is for the purposes of enabling the department to contact you in relation to your inquiry and related purposes. If the relevant personal information requested in this web form is not provided by you, the department will be unable to contact you to resolve your inquiry.

Personal information may be disclosed to other Australian government agencies, persons or organisations where necessary for the above purposes, provided the disclosure is consistent with relevant laws, in particular the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act). Your personal information will be used and stored in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.

This website is hosted on a public ASD certified cloud service by GovCMS through a contract arrangement with the Department of Finance. Information submitted through this web form may be stored on GovCMS for a short period.

See our Privacy Policy to learn more about accessing or correcting personal information or making a complaint. Alternatively, telephone the department on +61 2 6272 3933.

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General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

Contact us online

Report a biosecurity concern

Page last updated: 04 November 2019

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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