BION Partners, Mackay QLD
Independent workplace investigators for Mackay & Bowen Basin employers
Impartial, procedurally fair investigations built to withstand scrutiny. Based in Mackay, on-site across the Bowen Basin, and many investigations are completed within about a week.
- Employers only
- Written consent from every participant
- Free initial consultation
Independent by design
With increased scrutiny of procedural fairness, including conflicts of interest and personal bias, organisations reduce risk by bringing in an external investigator. Here is how we work.
Employers only
We act for employers and organisations across all employment sectors. Individuals are referred to the Fair Work Commission on 1300 799 675.
Written consent
Every participant gives written consent before their interview.
On-site in the Bowen Basin
From Mackay we travel to Moranbah, Dysart, Middlemount, Clermont, Nebo and surrounds. Interviews are one-on-one, in person or by video.
About a week, often
Many investigations are completed within about a week. Larger matters take longer, and you get a timeframe at the start.
Human findings
Secure AI tools help with transcription and organising evidence. Every finding is made and reviewed by the investigator.
Services
Independent workplace investigations, audits of internal investigation processes, and support to repair workplace culture afterwards. On-site for employers in Mackay and the Bowen Basin, and Australia-wide by video.
Workplace investigations
Prompt, objective investigations into allegations of workplace misconduct and conflict, from informal complaints to complex formal matters, and from individual contributors to the C-suite and board.
Workplace investigationsBION Audit
A comprehensive audit of your internal investigation protocol, procedures, documentation and reporting, with a detailed report of vulnerabilities and recommendations.
The BION AuditCulture & HR training
Programs, coaching and training that help organisations remediate issues, repair processes and build resilient, inclusive workplace cultures.
Culture and HR
Ways to engage us
Not every complaint needs a full external investigation. Choose the level of support that fits the matter, or start with a free scoping call and we will talk it through.
- Full external investigationWe investigate independently and report on whether each allegation is substantiated.
- Initial assessmentHelp at the start: assessing the complaint and deciding whether a formal investigation is the right response.
- Guided internal investigationYour team runs the investigation; we advise and guide them on the allegations, process and report.
- BION AuditAn independent audit of how your organisation investigates complaints.
- Post-investigation supportCustomised programs, coaching and training to repair the team and processes afterwards.
Do you need an external investigator?
Five quick questions, drawn from our guide for employers. Use an external investigator when the allegations are serious, could lead to dismissal, involve senior people or HR, or when nobody inside the organisation is trained, genuinely independent and available.
Low-level, straightforward matters can often be handled internally. The right response should be proportionate to the seriousness of the allegations.
How an investigation runs
From the time you receive an allegation of misconduct, a complaint or a grievance, we help you through each step. An investigation package can be tailored to your circumstances and budget.
Assess the matters raised
We help you assess the complaint and decide whether a formal investigation is the right response.
Formulate the allegations
Allegations are made specific and the scope is set in terms of reference, so everyone knows what is being investigated.
Follow the required processes
We identify any process you must follow, for example under your enterprise agreement, policies or contracts.
Investigate fairly
One-on-one interviews with written consent, documents gathered, and a genuine opportunity for the respondent to respond.
Report the findings
An impartial, thorough assessment of the evidence and whether each allegation is substantiated. You then decide what action to take.
What we investigate
BION Partners offers workplace investigation services to all employment sectors, from informal complaints to significant and complex formal investigations, including liaising with unions involved in representing parties to a complaint.
- Employee grievances
- Workplace bullying
- Conflict of interests
- Corruption
- Fraud
- Inappropriate use of IT resources
- Misconduct
- Misuse of authority
- Misuse of social media
- Nepotism
- Negligence and insubordination
- Public interest disclosures (whistleblowing)
- Sexual harassment
- Workplace theft
- Workplace violence
BION Partners does not provide services relating to workers compensation, does not conduct surveillance activities, and does not interview children.
Specialist investigators
Some matters need a particular kind of investigator. We match the team to the people involved.
Gender sensitive solutions
BION Partners has experienced female investigators on the team, valuable where a female investigator is considered more appropriate.
LGBTIQ+ sensitive solutions
Specialty skills in cases involving LGBTIQ+ discriminatory allegations.
Linguistically diverse solutions
Translation services during the course of an investigation can be provided on request.
Prefer to run the investigation yourself? Partner with us to conduct your own workplace investigation. We advise your team so your organisation conducts investigations at acceptable levels of procedural fairness.
Mackay based, on-site across the Bowen Basin
Investigating a complaint in the Bowen Basin has its own challenges: shift rosters, remote sites and accommodation villages, multiple contractors on one site, and small, connected communities where independence is hard to maintain internally.
We are based in Mackay and travel on-site to Moranbah, Dysart, Middlemount, Clermont, Nebo and surrounds. Elsewhere in Australia, we work with employers by video. Interviews are one-on-one and conducted in person or by video call.
- Mackay
- Bowen Basin
- Moranbah
- Dysart
- Middlemount
- Clermont
- Nebo
Every voice heard in the pursuit of truth
That is our goal. We are passionate about equity and fairness in every organisation in Australia, and these values guide every investigation.
- TruthSeek it, be it.
- SafetyPhysical, social, psychological and financial safety are paramount.
- DiversityEmbrace what is different, and allow it to broaden our understanding.
- CollaborationTogether we do better.
Guides for employers
Plain-English, fact-checked guides to workplace investigations and your obligations in Queensland and under federal law.
- When should an employer use an external workplace investigator?Use an external investigator for serious allegations, complaints about senior staff, or when no one internal is trained, independent and available.
- The positive duty to prevent sexual harassment: what employers must doSince December 2022, employers must take reasonable and proportionate measures to prevent sexual harassment. The seven AHRC standards and first steps.
- Queensland sexual harassment prevention plans: what the WHS rules requireSince 1 March 2025, Queensland PCBUs need a written sexual harassment prevention plan where a risk is identified, including how reports are investigated.
- Psychosocial hazards in Queensland workplaces: a guide for employersWhat Queensland employers must do about psychosocial hazards: the 2022 Code of Practice, WHS Regulation ss 55A to 55D, 14 common hazards, 2026 update.
- Procedural fairness in workplace investigationsProcedural fairness means a fair hearing and an unbiased decision-maker. Practical steps, the standard of proof and common workplace investigation mistakes.
- How long does a workplace investigation take?Investigation timeframes depend on allegations, witnesses, availability and evidence. What slows investigations, why delay is risky, how to stay on track.
Quick answers
What does BION Partners do?
BION Partners is an independent workplace investigation firm based in Mackay, Queensland. We investigate workplace complaints and allegations for employers, audit organisations’ internal investigation processes (the BION Audit), and provide workplace culture and HR coaching and training.
Who can engage BION Partners?
Employers and organisations only, across all employment sectors. Individuals seeking advice on a workplace issue should contact the Fair Work Commission on 1300 799 675.
Where does BION Partners work?
We are based in Mackay, Queensland, and travel to Bowen Basin and regional sites, including Moranbah, Dysart, Middlemount, Clermont, Nebo and surrounds. Elsewhere in Australia, we work with employers by video. Interviews are one-on-one and conducted in person or by video call.
How do I start?
Send a short enquiry through the form below or email admin@bionpartners.com. A representative from BION Partners will respond to your enquiry and talk through the matter, scope and options.
Book a free initial consultation
Organisations and employers seeking information or support can call, email or use the enquiry form. Choose “Free scoping call” in the form to book your free initial consultation. A representative from BION Partners will respond to your enquiry.
BION Partners
0418 742 230Mackay QLD 4740
What happens next
- We get back to you to talk it through. The initial consultation is free.
- We agree the scope and terms of reference with you.
- We investigate and report on whether each allegation is substantiated.
What to have ready
- A short, general outline of what has been reported
- Roughly how many people are involved (no names needed)
- Any immediate safety or welfare steps taken
- Relevant policies, award or enterprise agreement
- Rosters, sites, deadlines and budget
BION Partners provides services to employers only. Individuals seeking advice on workplace issues should contact the Fair Work Commission on 1300 799 675.