45Advice to person who made public interest complaint

45 Advice to person who made public interest complaint

S. 45(1) amended by Nos 2/2019 s. 65(2), 31/2024 s. 102(1), 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 1.82(a)).

(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), Integrity Oversight Victoria must advise a person who made a public interest complaint that the public interest complaint will be investigated.

(2) Advice provided under subsection (1) must be provided in writing and within a reasonable time after—

S. 45(2)(a) amended by Nos 2/2019 s. 65(3), 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 1.82(a)).

(a) in the case of a public interest complaint referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition of public interest complaint—Integrity Oversight Victoria has determined that the disclosure is a public interest complaint; or

S. 45(2)(b) amended by Nos 2/2019 s. 65(3), 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 1.82(a)).

(b) in the case of a public interest complaint referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of public interest complaint—the public interest complaint is received by Integrity Oversight Victoria on referral by the IBAC.

S. 45(2A) inserted by No. 31/2024 s. 102(2).

(2A) Advice provided under subsection (1) must include a statement as to the effect of section 97AA.

S. 45(3) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 1.82).

(3) Integrity Oversight Victoria must not provide advice under subsection (1) if Integrity Oversight Victoria considers on reasonable grounds that to do so would—

(a) not be in the public interest or in the interests of justice; or

(b) put a person's safety at risk; or

(c) cause unreasonable damage to a person's reputation; or

S. 45(3)(d) amended by Nos 37/2014 s. 10(Sch. item 179.2), 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 1.82(a)).

(d) prejudice an investigation by Victoria Police, Integrity Oversight Victoria or the IBAC; or

(e) otherwise contravene any applicable statutory secrecy obligations; or

(f) involve the unreasonable disclosure of information relating to the personal affairs of any person.

S. 45(4) inserted by No. 31/2024 s. 102(3), amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 1.82(a)).

(4) If, under section 44A, Integrity Oversight Victoria refuses to investigate a public interest complaint, Integrity Oversight Victoria must, within a reasonable time, give the person who made the complaint written advice of—

(a) the refusal; and

(b) the reason for the refusal.

S. 46 amended by No. 82/2012 ss 39, 206, 269.