Dealing with anonymous and de-identified voluntary PIDs (Revised March 2026)

Even though there is a duty on agencies to keep the identity of public interest disclosure (PID) makers confidential, some public officials may still not wish to identify themselves when making PIDs for fear of detrimental action or other negative consequences, or because they do not wish their colleagues or employer to know they have made a disclosure. 

Under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (PID Act), a PID maker is not required to identify themselves. A PID maker can submit an anonymous PID or may choose to submit their disclosure in a way that does not reveal their identifying information. Given this, it is important for agencies to have an appropriate policy and procedure in place for dealing with anonymous and de-identified PIDs as well as for protecting the identity of PID makers. With such policies and procedures in place, agencies can encourage staff to disclose serious wrongdoing when they otherwise would not be confident to do so. 

This guideline explains the difference between anonymous and de-identified voluntary PIDs and provides an overview of the features of each. The guideline also provides an overview of an agency’s responsibilities relating to anonymous voluntary PIDs and de-identified voluntary PIDs including how to assess the disclosure, dealing with anonymous and de-identified voluntary PIDs, risk management considerations, updating the PID-maker, and taking corrective action if necessary.