Legal
Protected Disclosures
VicForests is committed to the aims and objectives of the Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (the Act). It does not tolerate improper conduct by its employees, officers or members, nor the taking of reprisals against those who come forward to disclose such conduct.
VicForests recognises the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices, and supports the making of disclosures that reveal corrupt conduct, conduct involving a substantial mismanagement of public resources, or conduct involving a substantial risk to public health and safety or the environment.
VicForests will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in reprisal for making the disclosure. It will also afford natural justice to the person who is the subject of the disclosure.
What is improper or corrupt conduct?
Improper or corrupt conduct involves:
- corruption;
- the dishonest performance of functions as a public officer or public body;
- knowingly or recklessly breaching public trust;
- the misuse of information or material acquired in the course of the performance of his or her or its functions as a public officer or public body;
- substantial mismanagement of public resources; or
- substantial risk to public health or safety, or to the environment.
The conduct must be criminal in nature or a matter for which an officer could be dismissed.
How do I report an allegation?
Any person who has reasonable grounds for believing that improper or corrupt conduct has occurred can make a disclosure. Disclosures can be made in writing or by telephone and must be made direct to the Department or to the Independent Broad-Based Anti-corruption Commissioner (IBAC):
IBAC
Level 1, North Tower, 459 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: 1300 735 135
Website: http://www.ibac.vic.gov.au/
Email : The IBAC website provides information on the secure email disclosure process, which also provides for anonymous disclosures.
You may provide information anonymously. You should provide any relevant evidence such as documents that support your allegation.