National Misconduct, Harassment & Incident Investigations For Employers Across Australia
Protect your business from costly workplace disputes, misconduct risks and compliance failures with legally defensible investigations.
Workplace investigations are a critical tool for employers managing misconduct, workplace bullying, harassment, fraud, safety breaches, and regulatory compliance issues. At Hentys, we provide independent workplace investigations in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide & Brisbane, supporting employers to respond to complaints lawfully, fairly, and with procedural integrity.
Our experienced investigators work with organisations across Melbourne and Victoria to conduct impartial, defensible investigations that withstand scrutiny from regulators, tribunals, and courts — protecting both your people and your business.
Our team of experts at Hentys can manage the entire investigation process, from gathering evidence to conducting interviews and preparing detailed reports. As our advice on how to conduct a legally sound and compliant process is protected by Legal Professional Privilege, you can be sure not only of a strong defence of your actions and decisions, but also of no conflict of interest in Hentys defending any claim against your company made by an employee.
Independent Workplace Investigation Services for Melbourne
As trusted workplace investigation consultants based in Melbourne, we act independently of internal HR teams to ensure objectivity, confidentiality, and legal compliance. As external workplace investigators, we collaborate closely with HR departments throughout the investigation process. We coordinate with HR to gather necessary information, align on investigation goals, and ensure seamless communication. This partnership enables HR managers to remain fully informed and maintain their role in implementing any recommended actions following the investigation, ensuring continuity and adherence to internal policies.
Our investigations are conducted in line with:
- Fair Work Act obligations
- Victorian and federal workplace laws
- Best-practice procedural fairness principles
This independent approach significantly reduces legal risk and strengthens employer decision-making. Additionally, we offer comprehensive post-investigation support, including detailed recommendations and follow-up guidance to ensure that any actions taken are effective and aligned with internal policies. This additional support helps HR managers implement changes smoothly and improve workplace dynamics.
What triggers a workplace investigation?
Workplace investigations are usually triggered when a formal or informal complaint raises concerns serious enough to require a fair, impartial process to establish the facts. Common triggers include allegations of workplace bullying, harassment, discrimination, or sexual harassment; suspected fraud, theft, or misuse of company resources; breaches of workplace policies or codes of conduct; safety incidents or near-misses; and conflicts of interest.
A pattern of complaints about an individual or team, whistleblower disclosures, workplace misconduct on social media, or external regulatory requirements may also prompt investigations. Regardless of the trigger, employers have a legal and ethical obligation to respond promptly and proportionately — failing to investigate credible concerns can expose an organisation to legal risk, damage trust, and allow harmful behaviour to continue unchecked.
Why Melbourne Businesses Choose Professional Workplace Investigations
Workplace misconduct negatively impacts employee morale and productivity. Unresolved workplace issues can escalate into costly problems – from increased absenteeism and disengaged employees to Fair Work Commission disputes and WorkCover claims. For Melbourne employers, conducting workplace investigations isn’t optional; it’s often a legal obligation. Here’s why organisations across Melbourne invest in professional investigation services:
- Legal Compliance: Employers must establish a safe work environment in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. With the new Occupational Health & Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 now in force, Victorian employers have an affirmative duty to identify and control psychosocial hazards, including bullying and harassment. Employers also have a positive duty to eliminate bullying and discrimination under Victorian laws, including the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
- Risk Mitigation: Misconduct can lead to increased absenteeism and WorkCover claims. Independent investigations can protect an organisation’s reputation and reduce exposure to costly litigation, WorkCover claims, and Fair Work Commission proceedings.
- Impartial Process: Outsourcing investigations prevents internal biases from affecting outcomes. An external workplace investigator eliminates perceived bias and conflicts of interest, ensuring findings withstand legal scrutiny. Independent investigators ensure impartiality and protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Expert Knowledge: A specialised workplace investigator brings extensive experience in Melbourne workplace regulations, Victorian case law, and federal workplace standards – covering everything from the Fair Work Act to the new NDA restrictions under the Restricting Non-disclosure Agreements (Sexual Harassment at Work) Act 2025.
Professional workplace investigation services protect both employers and employees. A workplace investigation aims to uncover the truth and ensure procedural fairness – meaning every person involved receives natural justice, including notice of allegations and a genuine opportunity to respond.
Our Melbourne Investigation Services
Corporate Workplace Investigations
We deliver comprehensive investigation services for large Melbourne corporations and enterprises. Our team handles complex issues including multi-department misconduct allegations, senior executive complaints, and systemic workplace culture reviews. External investigators can handle complex allegations effectively, providing the independence and rigour that corporate governance demands. Whether the matter involves fraud, sexual harassment, or breaches of relevant organisational policies, our investigators bring the expertise required to navigate high-stakes cases.
Small to Medium Business Investigations
Melbourne SMEs and local businesses face the same legal risk as larger organisations but often lack internal resources and dedicated HR capacity. We provide tailored, cost-effective workplace investigation services designed for smaller workplace teams and family businesses. Independent investigations help ensure impartiality in misconduct cases – regardless of company size. Our approach is scalable, transparent, and structured to deliver clear outcomes without unnecessary cost.
Workplace Investigation Types We Handle in Melbourne
Workplace investigations in Melbourne are structured processes for addressing misconduct and safety breaches. We handle a broad range of workplace complaints across every industry sector:
- Bullying and Intimidation: We investigate workplace bullying allegations under Victorian legislation, including the Psychological Health Regulations. Bullying – repeated, unreasonable behaviour that threatens health and safety – must be identified and controlled as a psychosocial hazard.
- Sexual Harassment: We investigate sexual harassment complaints in accordance with both federal guidelines and Victorian law. According to a national AHRC survey (2022), approximately 19% of Australians experienced sexual harassment at work in the prior 12 months, yet fewer than 1 in 5 made a formal report.
- Discrimination: We handle cases involving age, gender, disability, race, and cultural discrimination. In 2018–19, approximately 52% of discrimination and harassment complaints lodged with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission occurred in workplaces.
- Workplace Violence: We investigate incidents of physical and verbal aggression, ensuring compliance with OHS obligations and providing immediate support to affected individuals.
- Fraud and Theft: We examine financial misconduct, misuse of company resources, and allegations of property theft through thorough evidence collection and analysis.
- Policy Violations: We assess breaches of company policies, codes of conduct, and employment contracts, determining whether inappropriate behaviour has occurred in breach of relevant organisational policies.
- Workplace Safety: We investigate safety incidents and WHS non-compliance, including serious injuries, near-misses, and welfare failures under Victorian law.
- Conflict of Interest: We examine undeclared conflicts, ethical breaches, and situations where personal interests compromise professional obligations.
- Substance Abuse: We handle alcohol and drug-related workplace incidents where performance or safety is compromised, applying a trauma-informed approach throughout.
- Whistleblower Complaints: We manage protected disclosures and retaliation claims with strict confidentiality, ensuring compliance with whistleblower protections and shielding parties from victimisation.
Why Choose Henty Lawyers for your Workplace Investigation Services?
Hentys Lawyers provides workplace investigation services that combine legal rigour, procedural fairness, and commercial practicality. We support employers in uncovering the facts, managing risk, and making defensible decisions with confidence—particularly in complex or high-risk matters.
Our structured, legally informed approach ensures investigations are conducted independently, thoroughly, and in a manner that can withstand regulatory scrutiny or legal challenge. From allegations of misconduct to sensitive, multi-party disputes, we deliver clarity at every stage of the process.
Our Workplace Investigation Services Offer:
Support for Complex Matters
Expert handling of investigations ranging from minor misconduct to complex employment disputes involving senior employees, multiple stakeholders, or heightened legal risk.
Thorough & Impartial Fact-Finding
Comprehensive evidence gathering, witness interviews, and factual analysis to establish clear, objective findings.
Risk Management & Legal Defensibility
Early identification of legal, regulatory, and reputational risks, with practical strategies to mitigate exposure and protect decision-makers.
Clear, Actionable Recommendations
Concise advice on outcomes, disciplinary options, and next steps — grounded in evidence and aligned with legal obligations.
Confidentiality & Sensitivity
Discreet handling of sensitive matters, with strict confidentiality and Legal Professional Privilege maintained throughout the investigation.
Compliance & Best Practice Assurance
Investigations conducted in accordance with workplace laws, regulatory frameworks, and established best-practice standards.
For urgent WorkCover and Employment matters, please call Timothy Ashton at any time on 0416 094 174.
Contact Form
To find out more about our services, please complete our enquiry form.
Protect Your Workplace — Start an Investigation Today
Whether you’re addressing misconduct, harassment, or complex disputes, we provide structured, impartial investigations that reduce risk and ensure compliance.