You have recently commenced work as a Corrective Services Officer with Queensland Corrective Services, working at a local men's prison. So far, you are finding your new position very rewarding and you are getting along well with your colleagues.

One day while working with a fellow officer in the residential unit of the prison, you see that one of your colleagues, Jessie James, is chatting with one of the male prisoners, Martin Morelli. Martin has his arm around her and they are both smiling and appear to be having fun. When you and Jessie are back at the office later that day, you ask her about it.

She tells you that she had been helping Martin prepare for his upcoming parole hearing over the past year, and that they had developed an intimate relationship in this time. He has been giving her money in exchange for her assistance outside of her normal work hours, and recently arranged for some flowers and a gift to be delivered to her home for her birthday. Jessie is also writing Martin's Parole Board report regarding his behaviour, to be presented at his hearing.

Jessie doesn't see any issues with her relationship with Martin and says that she wants to continue to date him once he is released from prison. She has directed you not to report the conduct in any case.

1. Explain in your own words what the term public interest means, and why the unethical conduct in the scenario should be reported.
2. Explain why you should report the unethical conduct that is occurring. In your answer, consider.
3. the main objects of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (Qld) (the PID Act) - you must provide a reference to the relevant section of the legislation in your response.
4. any potential risks/consequences if this sort of conduct were allowed to continue in the prison, including workplace health and safety risks.
5. Briefly explain what a public interest discloser is.
6. As a public officer, explain whether you able to disclose the unethical conduct that is occurring. What needs to be satisfied under the PID Act in order for the disclosure to be made?
7. Identify the steps you need to take in order to disclose the conduct under the PID Act. As you wish to remain friends with Jessie, you would like to disclose the conduct anonymously. In your answer, explain whether an anonymous disclosure is possible.
8. If you go ahead and report this unethical conduct despite Jessie's request, explain how you will be protected from reprisals. In your answer, refer to specific sections from the PID Act.
9. Explain the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness that should apply to Jessie after the conduct is reported.
10. Discuss the possible consequences Jessie may face if the conduct is reported.
11. Identify the relevant legislation that provides disciplinary options in the public sector - you must provide a reference to the relevant section/s in your response.
12. Identify the relevant offence within the Corrective Services Act 2006 (Qld) relating to inappropriate relationships between corrective service officers and offenders - you must provide a reference to the relevant section in your response.
13. Discuss with the rest of your team how this situation could be avoided in the future.