What happens to your report

The CCC must assess each allegation of serious misconduct, however, the outcome or action taken may vary. Once a report is received, it is assessed by the CCC.

The CCC will not contact the person who submits a report unless further information is required.

The assessment process

In deciding what action, if any, to take, the CCC has some discretion and may give consideration to the following factors:

• the seriousness of the conduct;
• whether the allegation is made in good faith (or may be frivolous or vexatious);
• whether the allegation has already been investigated or other action taken;
• whether further action is justified; and
• whether further action is in the public interest.

The CCC may also consult with, or consider investigations or other actions taken by, an independent agency or an appropriate authority before deciding what action may be taken.

After the assessment is complete, the CCC may:

• investigate or take action itself; or
• investigate or take action in cooperation with an independent agency or appropriate authority; or
• refer the matter to an independent agency or appropriate authority for action; or
• take no action (in this case the person or agency making the report are notified).

Will the CCC investigate my report

The CCC only investigates the most serious instances of corruption and police misconduct. On average, only 1% of all allegations received by the CCC each financial year will result in a CCC investigation. 

It is the responsibility of each public sector agency to investigate allegations of serious misconduct by their staff. This is why the CCC will, in most instances, refer an allegation back to a public sector agency for action, subject to CCC oversight.

How we protect you

Reporting allegations is essential to the functioning of integrity agencies. In many cases, providing information about misconduct is a legal requirement. People disclosing information are safeguarded by both state and federal government legislation. The CCC takes every precaution to ensure notifiers are protected, including referring information to agencies anonymously where required, however, it is important to keep in mind that there is a risk of even an anonymous source potentially being identified from the nature of the information supplied.

Your Privacy

All reports received by the CCC are treated confidentially.

Details about the person making the report, and the information within a report, may be forwarded to an appropriate agency, such as the WA Police Force, the WA Director of Public Prosecutions, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and the Australian Taxation Office.

If you have concerns about your privacy, you can make an anonymous report to the CCC. However, anonymous reports can often be difficult to verify and investigate. This is because the CCC cannot contact you for more information. If you are concerned about being identified as the reporter or are considering making an anonymous report, please contact the CCC on 1800 803 186 if you have concerns about your privacy.

Can I tell other people about a report made to the CCC?

The Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 does not prevent a person who has reported misconduct from telling anyone that a report has been lodged. However, discussing the details of a report of suspected serious misconduct should be considered carefully as this may compromise any future investigation or may affect the reputation of the public officer.

Legal protection

The Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 provides various protections for persons who provide information and assistance to the CCC.

Section 220 of the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 provides protection to persons making allegations or giving information to the CCC. No civil or criminal liability, other than lability under the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003, attaches to a person by reason that the allegation was made or the information was given.

Section 174 of the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 makes it an offence to dismiss or prejudice an employee on account of them having appeared as a witness or given evidence before the CCC.

Section 175 of the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 makes it a criminal offence to:

• threaten to prejudice the safety or career of any person; or
• intimidate or harass, or threaten to intimidate or harass, any person; or
• do an act that is, or is likely to be, to the detriment of any person, because that person, or someone else, gave evidence to or helped the CCC.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act

In Western Australia, the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (PID Act) empowers individuals to report instances of wrongdoing within public authorities, including the State public sector, local governments, government trading enterprises, public universities, and certain government boards and committees.

PID Act protections only apply where the specific criteria under the PID Act are met and not to allegations reported to the CCC generally. You can find more information on the PID Act here.