Bowen Basin & resources
Workplace investigations for Bowen Basin employers
Investigating a complaint in the Bowen Basin has its own challenges: shift rosters, remote sites and accommodation villages, multiple contractors on one site, and a separate safety regulator for mines. BION Partners, based in Mackay, provides independent workplace investigations for employers in Moranbah, Dysart, Middlemount, Clermont, Nebo and surrounds. We travel to Bowen Basin and regional sites, and interviews can be held in person or by video call.
What makes Bowen Basin investigations different?
| Challenge | How it affects an investigation |
|---|---|
| Rosters and swings | Complainants, respondents and witnesses may be on different rosters or off-site for days at a time. Interview schedules need to be planned around swings so the investigation does not stall. |
| Remote sites and camps | Conduct may happen at work, in accommodation villages or while travelling. Whether conduct is connected to work needs careful scoping in the terms of reference. |
| Multiple businesses on one site | Principal contractors, contractors and labour hire may all be involved. Each business may have its own duties, so it matters who commissions the investigation and what it covers. |
| Small, connected communities | In mining towns, people often work and live together. Independence and confidentiality are harder to maintain internally, which is a strong reason to use an external investigator. |
| Union involvement | Parties may be represented by a union. We are experienced in liaising with unions involved in representing parties to a complaint. |
Which safety laws apply at mines?
Queensland mines are regulated by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) under resources safety legislation, not WorkSafe Queensland. WorkSafe says its Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022 does not apply to some mining and resources workplaces, which are regulated by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ). RSHQ provides its own information for the resources industry, including on sexual harassment.
Some obligations apply regardless of the safety regime, including the positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) and the Fair Work Act’s protections against bullying and sexual harassment, which apply to employers covered by those laws. Check which regime covers your site, and get legal advice if you are unsure.
What we investigate
Bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, workplace violence, misconduct, theft, fraud, conflicts of interest, misuse of social media and IT resources, and employee grievances. See workplace investigations for the full list.
BION Partners does not provide services relating to workers compensation, does not conduct surveillance activities, and does not interview children.
Where in the Bowen Basin?
From our base in Mackay we travel on-site to Bowen Basin towns, including Moranbah, Dysart, Middlemount, Clermont, Nebo and surrounds.
We can work with employers including mining companies, contractors and service businesses, and organisations in the communities that support them.
General information only. This page explains the law in general terms and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, speak with a lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Does the WorkSafe Queensland psychosocial code apply at coal mines?
WorkSafe Queensland says the Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022 does not apply to some mining and resources workplaces, which are regulated by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ). Check RSHQ guidance for your site.
Can interviews be scheduled around rosters?
Yes. Planning interviews around rosters is part of scoping a Bowen Basin investigation. Interviews are one-on-one and can be held in person, including at regional sites, or by video call.
Sources
- WorkSafe Queensland: Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022
- Business Queensland / RSHQ: Sexual harassment information for the resources industry
- Australian Human Rights Commission: The positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act
- Fair Work Ombudsman: Bullying in the workplace
- Fair Work Commission: Sexual harassment disputes benchbook
Checked 22 October 2026. Laws and guidance change; check the source before relying on it.