Department for Environment and Heritage

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Whistleblower Information

A whistleblower is someone who is aware of illegal activities or corruption in the public or private sectors, and who makes the information known to authorities so that it can be investigated in the public interest.

The South Australian Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993 (the Act) commenced operation in September 1993. The aim of the Whistleblowers Protection Act is to encourage the disclosure of maladministration and waste in the public sector and corrupt or illegal conduct generally, by providing the means by which disclosures may be made, and subsequent protection (from victimisation and civil or criminal liability) for those who make disclosures.

The Whistleblowers Protection Act clearly stipulates conditions which must be met in order for a person making a disclosure to receive protection. The Act does not protect people who knowingly make a false claim or who make a reckless claim.

The Department for Environment and Heritage has developed a procedure which:

  • specifies procedures by which disclosures of public interest information can be made within the Department (by Departmental employees and members of the public)
  • identifies 'Responsible Officers' to whom disclosures can be appropriately made; and
  • specifies the procedures for handling complaints of victimisation as a result of whistleblower disclosures.

Please see the Whistleblowers Procedure (108Kb PDF).

Complaints under the Whistleblowers Protection can be made to the following Departmental 'Responsible Officers':

Kym Nicholson

Executive Director, People and Strategy
Ph: (61 8) 8204 1736
GPO Box 1047, Adelaide, SA, 5001

Greg Leaman

Executive Director, Conservation Policy and Programs
Ph: (61 8) 8128 4702
GPO Box 1047, Adelaide, SA, 5001

Although it is preferable that matters relating to public interest which fall within the responsibility of the Department are reported to and investigated by officers of the Department, complaints can be made under the Whistleblowers Protection Act to a number of external agencies. Please see the list of Appropriate Authorities (12Kb PDF).

Whistleblowing allegations are serious and before proceeding it is advisable to seek the advice of a lawyer.

It is also recommend that you consider the following questions before making a complaint in order to ensure your protection under the Whistleblowers Protection Act:

  • Do I have reasonable grounds for the disclosure?
  • Am I making my disclosure in the public interest?
  • Will the way in which I am making my disclosure maximise the legal protection's available to me?
  • Do I have sufficient evidence to support my decisions without needing to gather further evidence to substantiate the disclosure?
  • Am I prepared for possible disapproval of my actions?
  • Am I aware of the sources of support available to help me after I make the disclosure?