Brisbane-Based Legally Qualified and Certified Experienced Investigator
When do you need to consider contacting a Workplace Investigator?
The simple answer is when there has been allegations or complaints of misconduct in the workplace.
The more comprehensive answer is that under Australian legal and regulatory frameworks, organisations have both formal and practical responsibility to investigate complaints of misconduct in a way that is fair, lawful and defensible. A thorough investigation is not only best practice — it is essential to demonstrate compliance with workplace laws, anti-discrimination duties and procedural fairness obligations. As an experienced and dedicated investigator, Mary ensures that complaints are examined impartially and comprehensively, providing outcomes that are robust, transparent and legally sound.
While a senior in-house HR practitioner may feel comfortable handling ‘non-complex’ matters involving junior to mid-tier staff, engaging an independent investigator is the preferred approach for more complex cases. This includes matters with multiple complainants, respondents, or witnesses, cases involving senior members of the organisation or matters with voluminous materials to review.
Often, HR Partners will not have the capacity to dedicate the time a workplace investigation demands, making independent expertise essential for a thorough, timely and impartial process.
Further, when dealing with investigations involving senior managers or even the Executive, it is necessary, to ensure impartiality, credibility and fairness, that the individual overseeing the investigation should be positioned at a more senior level within the organisation. This is often not possible, and in those cases, consideration should be given to appointing an external investigator.
Why First Workplace Investigations?
Mary Crean is the principal at First Workplace Investigations. She is an independent external Workplace Investigator based in Brisbane and engaged throughout Australia, specialising exclusively in workplace investigations since 2012.
Legal Qualifications
Mary holds a LL.B Law (Hons) 2:1 England 1995, Admission as a Barrister Grays Inn, London 1996, Admission as a Solicitor Queensland 2010, Working with Children Card for NSW and Blue Card for Queensland. She is also a Licensed Investigator (Certificate III) and holds a current Class 1 Security Provider Licensed issued by the Queensland Government. Mary practised as a Barrister at the independent Bar in England between 1997 and 2009 and was admitted as a Solicitor in Queensland in 2010. Mary is a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Investigators.
Expertise and Experience
Mary is a dedicated HR practitioner who routinely provides HR services to franchises and small businesses regarding the day-to-day issues faced by employers who require direct, no-nonsense, and procedurally sound advice to manage staff and ensure employer compliance with the relevant industrial awards.
Mary is recognised for her extensive expertise, proactive approach, sensitive handling of challenging participants, and her ability to deliver fair and transparent outcomes that withstand legal scrutiny. Her ability to navigate complex, high-stakes situations with objectivity and professionalism ensures investigations are both thorough and respectful, safeguarding the rights of all involved and stands Mary out from other suitably qualified HR and legal professionals who are engaged in providing workplace investigations. Mary has extensive experience managing investigations in the care sector, providing reliable investigation outcomes for aged care providers, some of which have previously been at risk of registration revocation. Mary’s experience as a Barrister, specialising in the examination-in-chief of children, vulnerable adults, and the elderly, has equipped her with a unique skill set perfectly suited for investigations within the care sector, educational institutions, children’s homes and other environments where a sensitive yet robust and procedurally fair approach is essential. Her ability to navigate complex, high-stakes situations with empathy and professionalism ensures that investigations are both thorough and respectful, safeguarding the rights of all involved and stands Mary out from other suitably qualified HR and legal professionals. Mary provides thorough and professional investigations tailored for corporate employers, HR departments, legal professionals, not-for-profits, government organisations, and small to medium-sized businesses. Reportable Conduct in 2026 Mary has conducted numerous Reportable Conduct Investigations and has an in-depth knowledge of the relevant legislation for each State and particularly in relation to the Queensland Child and Family Commission and Child Safe Organisations Act 2024; provisions of the Act come into effect during 2026. Mary ensures that all investigations and cultural reviews are conducted in a manner that respects the rights of all parties involved. Managing these processes in a timely manner reflects her understanding of the importance of swift resolution while maintaining integrity and transparency. This approach fosters trust in the outcomes of these procedures and contributes to a positive organisational culture where conflicts are addressed effectively and fairly
Reportable Conduct in 2026
Mary has conducted numerous Reportable Conduct Investigations and has an in-depth knowledge of the relevant legislation for each State and particularly in relation to the Queensland Child and Family Commission and Child Safe Organisations Act 2024; provisions of the Act come into effect during 2026. Mary ensures that all investigations and cultural reviews are conducted in a manner that respects the rights of all parties involved. Managing these processes in a timely manner reflects her understanding of the importance of swift resolution while maintaining integrity and transparency. This approach fosters trust in the outcomes of these procedures and contributes to a positive organisational culture where conflicts are addressed effectively and fairly
Mary is based in Brisbane but works across all States.
HR CONSULTANCY
