Inquiries & Investigations

Have you been summonsed? You are entitled to get legal advice. Fill out your details here or call (08) 8212 1077 (SA), (08) 9211 5800 (WA), (07) 3373 0200 (QLD), (08) 8941 7814 (NT) or 1800 730 842 (ACT).

At Tindall Gask Bentley, our team of skilled criminal lawyers possess a deep understanding of the legal frameworks, procedures, and principles that govern inquiries and investigations in Australia. We have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in high-stake and high-profile cases, ensuring their interests are protected and their voices are heard throughout the entire process.

From the outset, we conduct thorough investigations, meticulously analysing the facts, gathering evidence, and identifying any potential defences. Our goal is to build a robust case strategy aimed at protecting our clients’ rights and reputations. We are skilled negotiators and adept at engaging with regulatory bodies, professional boards, and disciplinary tribunals to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Inquiries and investigations we regularly advise clients on include:

• AHPRA
• Real Estate Board
• Coronial inquests
• Commissions of inquiry/royal commissions
• Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) investigations
• Australian Crime Commission investigations
• All disciplinary inquiries.

If you are summonsed to give evidence in the Coroners Court, before a Royal Commission, Corruption and Crime Commission, or to ICAC you are entitled to seek advice from a legal practitioner, and should do so as soon as possible before you appear as a witness. Findings may be detrimental to a person’s standing, reputation and employment. Our team is equipped to skillfully represent clients in these proceedings, employing persuasive arguments and legal expertise to protect your interests and make sure that your legal rights are upheld.

Additionally, our lawyers are skilled advocates with extensive experience in administrative and disciplinary tribunals, as well as superior courts. We are well-versed in the nuances of disciplinary hearings, inquiries, and appeals.

Coronial inquests

Coronial inquests are heard either by the Coroner or Deputy Coroner in the Coroners Court by virtue of the provisions of the Coroners Act.  If you are summonsed to give evidence in the Coroners Court you are entitled to seek advice from a legal practitioner and to be represented by a legal practitioner when you give evidence, subject to leave being granted by the Court.  As findings by the Coroners Court may be detrimental to a person’s standing, reputation and employment it is wise to seek legal advice before appearing as a witness.

Tindall Gask Bentley has represented many clients in Coronial Inquests. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance to individuals, families, and organisations involved in the complex process of investigating the circumstances surrounding a person’s death.  Our team is committed to providing compassionate support to our clients while advocating for their interests throughout the process.

When advising on coronial inquests, we begin by conducting a detailed analysis of the case and the applicable legal framework. We thoroughly examine relevant legislation, regulations, and precedents to develop a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. This enables us to provide tailored advice specific to each client’s unique circumstances.

Our team works closely with our clients to gather all relevant evidence, documents, and expert opinions necessary for the inquest. We engage skilled investigators and forensic experts to assist in collecting and analysing evidence, ensuring all bases are covered. This meticulous approach allows us to build a robust case strategy aimed at achieving a fair and just outcome.

Throughout the inquest process, we maintain regular and transparent communication with our clients. We understand the profound impact that a coronial inquest can have on individuals and families, and we strive to support them through this challenging journey.

Additionally, we understand the importance of managing the media and public perception during coronial inquests. We provide strategic advice on handling media inquiries, ensuring that our clients’ rights to privacy and dignity are respected throughout the process. Our goal is to protect our clients’ reputation and ensure they receive fair and accurate representation in the public eye.

Should you be summonsed to give evidence in a Coronial Inquest, TGB Lawyers is dedicated to protecting our clients’ interests with compassionate support, strategic guidance and skilled advocacy.

Royal commissions/commissions of inquiry

A royal commission or a commission of inquiry are ordered by the government to investigate significant issues, matters or events of public importance. Royal Commissions and Commissions of Inquiry generally have broad powers to gather information to help with their inquiry – including the power to summons witnesses to appear before it, and the power to request individuals or organisations produce documents as evidence.

If you are summonsed to appear before a royal commission or commission of inquiry, or ordered to produce documents or other evidentiary materials, you should seek legal advice. As with coronial inquests, commissions may have an impact on your standing, reputation and employment.

Our criminal law team at TGB Lawyers possesses extensive knowledge of the laws, regulations, and procedures that govern royal commissions and commissions of inquiry in Australia. We recognise the critical role these investigations play in examining matters of public concern, uncovering facts, and making recommendations for systemic improvements. With this understanding, we are dedicated to providing strategic advice and diligent representation to our clients.

We work alongside our clients throughout the entire inquiry process: from the initial stages of preparation to the final stages of the inquiry. We assist in gathering and organising relevant documents, evidence, and witness statements. We engage skilled investigators, forensic experts, and consultants to ensure that all aspects of the inquiry are thoroughly examined and properly presented.

We strive to protect our clients’ reputation and ensure accurate representation throughout the inquiry process, whilst also supporting the commission to achieve positive change in the areas under scrutiny.

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) (SA & NT), Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) (WA) and Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) (QLD)

Each State and Territory in Australia has an independent statutory body that will detect, investigate and report on serious or systemic corrupt conduct in the public sector. In the areas in which we work, these are known as:

• The Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) – SA and NT
• Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) – WA
• Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) – QLD

These bodies undertake specialist investigations with a focus on government corruption. TGB Lawyers has notable expertise in advising and representing clients in these inquiries and investigations, with particular experience in acting for members of police unions, Correctional Services employees and other Public Sector agencies.

We understand the gravity of government corruption allegations and the serious ramifications they can have on individuals and organisations that are compelled to give evidence. With this understanding, we are dedicated to providing strategic advice and rigorous representation to our clients throughout the entirety of these complex proceedings.

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)

The Australian Crime Commission has been established to protect Australia from serious criminal threats through coordinating a strategic response and collecting, assessing and disseminating intelligence and policing information.

As with other government ordered inquiries and commissions, ACIC also has the power to compel witnesses to give evidence or product documents or other items that may be used as evidence.

The proceedings of ACIC are secret and it is an offence to inform any person that you are summonsed to give evidence, with the exception of your lawyer.  Given the potential grave ramifications of being summonsed to give evidence before the ACIC, you need a team of expert lawyers by your side, to help you navigate through the complexities of ACIC inquiries and investigations, while ensuring that your rights are protected and any unfounded allegations are rigorously challenged.