A comprehensive, practical guide to conducting effective workplace investigations. Explore the full investigation lifecycle, from drafting clear terms of reference and defining allegations, to evidence collection, report writing, and making defensible findings. Learn to navigate sensitive issues such as domestic and family violence and sexual harassment, while balancing compliance with the Fair Work Act, Sex Discrimination Act, and WHS legislation. Practical strategies and frameworks to help you manage investigations fairly, efficiently, and with minimal legal risk.

Presenters

Emma Treherne, In-House Counsel, Senior Legal and Compliance Officer, Isuzu UTE Australia
Emma Treherne was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2011 but has been working in the field of employment law since 2007.  Emma has diverse experience across many areas of employment law both in Australia and a short stint in the Republic of Ireland and has worked in private practice, a community organisation, the government, employer associations, and in-house. For approximately 2.5 years, Emma has been working as an in-house counsel for Isuzu UTE Australia Pty Ltd, an Australian vehicle distributor.  In this position, Emma’s principal practice areas are employment law, data privacy law and commercial law and any other practice areas which aid improvements in corporate governance and compliance of the Company.  Working in the field of compliance has required Emma to not just advise on legal matters but also to educate the Company and build compliance systems and programs consider legal risk along with factoring in reputational and commercial risks.

Louise Rumble, Partner, Gadensx
Louise Rumble is a partner at Gadens and a member of the Workplace Advisory and Disputes group. Louise has over 15 years’ experience advising employers on a range of issues including negotiating employment contracts, compliance with minimum terms and conditions, managing employment issues during the employment relationship and employment-related litigation. Louise routinely provides workplace training and recent topics include appropriate workplace behaviour and managing workplace investigations in times of crisis. Louise represents clients in a range of industries in the public and private sectors.

Madeleine Stone, Barrister, George Street Chambers
Madeleine maintains a broad civil practice, focussing predominantly on commercial litigation and employment and industrial law. She is regularly briefed in contentious employment disputes in both state and federal courts and commissions. Madeleine’s focus is on providing strategic and practical advice to employers which reflects the complexities of human nature, and the rights afforded to employees. She has experience across the gamut of employment disputes, including unfair dismissals, general protections, bullying, sexual harassment and psychological injury claims. She has also been involved in a number of workplace investigations, including investigations commissioned under state-based legislation.

Caroline Mense, Principal Lawyer, Legal Enablers
Caroline Mense Principal Lawyer at Legal Enablers, advising corporates and executives on workplace and employment law. She is known for her strategic, people focused approach. She is Co-Chair of the Workplace Relations Committee at the Law Institute of Victoria and a regular Chair and Presenter at national legal conferences and publishes in the law journal on workplace law and technology. Caroline holds a Bachelor of Laws from Deakin University and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law. She is currently completing a Connected Leadership certificate at Yale University and has studied Pricing Strategy at Harvard Business School Online. She is active in mentoring, volunteering, and supporting wellbeing initiatives across the legal community.