Cost and scope
How much does a workplace investigation cost?
The cost of a workplace investigation depends mainly on its scope: how many allegations there are, how many people need to be interviewed, how much evidence there is, how complex and serious the matter is, and where interviews take place. There is no one-size price because every matter is different. BION Partners tailors an investigation package to your circumstances and budget, and the initial consultation is free.
What drives the cost?
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Number of allegations | Each allegation needs to be put to the respondent and weighed separately, with a finding on whether it is substantiated. |
| Number of interviews | The complainant, the respondent and relevant witnesses are each interviewed one-on-one, and the respondent may need a further opportunity to respond to new evidence. |
| Volume of evidence | Emails, messages, rosters and records all need to be gathered and reviewed. |
| Seriousness and complexity | The more serious the allegation, the stronger the evidence needed (the Briginshaw principle), so serious matters need more careful testing. |
| Location | Interviews can be held in person, including on-site in the Bowen Basin, or by video call. |
| Availability | Rosters, swings and leave affect how quickly interviews can be scheduled. |
| Specialist needs | For example, an experienced female investigator, LGBTIQ+ sensitive handling, or translation services on request. |
How to keep an investigation proportionate
- Assess first. Not every complaint needs a formal investigation. The right response should be proportionate to the seriousness of the allegations.
- Get the allegations and scope right. Specific allegations and clear terms of reference stop an investigation drifting.
- Have documents and rosters ready. Early access to records and availability makes scheduling faster.
- Consider guided internal investigations. For low-level matters, partner with us to conduct your own investigation at acceptable levels of procedural fairness.
- Strengthen your own process. The BION Audit helps your internal team investigate with confidence.
The cost of a flawed process
A cheaper investigation is not cheaper if it does not hold up. In Hatch v WesTrac Pty Ltd [2020] FWC 5729, the Fair Work Commission found a dismissal unfair after identifying flaws in the employer’s investigation: key witnesses were not spoken to, untested written statements were relied on, and assumptions were not put to the employee for a response. See investigation findings and unfair dismissal.
How does time relate to cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of the matter. Many investigations are completed within about a week; larger or more complex matters take longer, and we’ll give you a timeframe at the start. What affects timeframes.
Scope your matter
Call 0418 742 230, email admin@bionpartners.com or use the enquiry form. We will talk through the matter and scope it with you. The initial consultation is free. Not sure you need an external investigator? Compare the options.
Frequently asked questions
Is the initial consultation free?
Yes. Contact us for a free consultation and we will scope the matter with you.
Can the investigation be tailored to our budget?
Yes. An investigation package can be tailored to suit individual circumstances and budget.
Is it cheaper to investigate internally?
It can be for low-level, straightforward matters, if someone trained, independent and available can do it. For serious matters, the risk of a flawed process being challenged is part of the cost. A middle path is an internal investigation with external guidance.
Sources
- Hatch v WesTrac Pty Ltd [2020] FWC 5729
- Queensland Public Sector Commission: Managing workplace investigations, a practical guide (2024)
Checked 22 October 2026. Laws and guidance change; check the source before relying on it.