For over two decades, Ashdale has been the trusted partner for Local Government investigations. Our team brings unmatched expertise and a deep understanding of the statutory obligations of both employees and elected officials, ensuring every matter is handled with fairness, empathy, and professionalism.
As a preferred provider for the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) since its inception, we provide Local Government the confidence and clarity they need when it matters most.
Ashdale supports local councils in assessing, managing, and responding to complaints with fairness and transparency. Our services include conducting thorough investigations, resolving workplace conflicts, and providing team education to build understanding and prevent future issues.
Examines allegations of misconduct, breaches of policy, or inappropriate workplace behaviour by council staff.
Investigates incidents, accidents, or breaches of workplace safety obligations.
Focuses on suspected fraud, corruption, or misuse of council resources.
Investigates complaints about councillor behaviour, such as breaches of the Councillor Code of Conduct, conflicts of interest, or misuse of position.
Reviews complaints about council services or decision-making affecting residents.
Our sessions are future-focused and task-orientated and designed to empower participants with the skills and mindset to manage conflict creatively and confidently.
Post-Mediation Coaching offers a safe space to explore lingering concerns, reinforce positive behaviour, and strengthen communication moving forward.
We offer guidance and structured practice to help you prepare for, and navigate, challenging discussions with confidence.
The facilitated format enables a community of people to come together and share how this conflict has affected them.
Following a structured and neutral process, our workplace mediation service involves an impartial mediator that helps employees in conflict communicate, and reach mutually acceptable solutions.
Two-Day Workshop
Three-Hour Workshop
One-Day Workshop
2-Hour Workshop
Ashdale operates free from internal politics or bias, ensuring credible, defensible outcomes.
We have a deep knowledge of legislation, best practices, and interviewing vulnerable or senior individuals in sensitive matters.
We’ve successfully managed complex cases and referred by various oversight bodies, reflecting professional trust.
Working with an external investigative provider reduces exposure to legal claims, reputational damage, and internal disruption through thorough, fair investigations.
Our skilled team delivers timely, comprehensive investigations, giving clients assurance at every stage.
We use methods adapted to sensitive cases, including high public scrutiny or vulnerable participants.
Our investigators have extensive industry experience and in-depth knowledge in the specific statutory requirements applicable to Local Government employees and elected officials.
Founder & Managing Director | Principal Investigator
Bryan Cook is the Founder and Managing Director of Ashdale, established in 2003. As the Managing Director and Principal Investigator, he brings extensive experience in leading and managing complex workplace investigations and reviews. He also delivers tailored training programs to large corporations, not-for-profit organisations, and government departments and agencies across all levels.
Bryan’s investigative work often involves high-level leadership matters, including allegations involving Chief Executive Officers, Board Members, and Directors-General.
He is regularly engaged to conduct sensitive investigations, undertake strategic reviews, and support organisations in enhancing their complaints management systems and ethical governance...
Senior Investigator
Ian Muir joined Ashdale in 2018 and brings extensive experience in conducting complex investigations across a broad range of entities, including State Government departments, local authorities, religious institutions, and tertiary organisations. He specialises in investigating alleged breaches of councillor conduct referred by the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA).
Prior to joining Ashdale, Ian practised law for over 25 years as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland. He worked in regional law firms, as well as in medium-sized and boutique practices in Brisbane. His legal expertise encompasses banking and finance, property transactions,...
Senior Investigator
Rob Hunter brings over 20 years of investigative experience in both criminal and administrative law, gained through senior roles within the Queensland State Government, New Zealand Government, and the New Zealand Police.
Before joining Ashdale, Rob served as the Ethical Standards Manager at Queensland Health. His previous roles include Acting Professional Standards Manager for the former Department of Youth Justice, Principal Investigator for Queensland Health, and Principal Investigator for the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs.
Rob is a highly experienced workplace investigator, adept at managing complex investigations, assessing corrupt conduct and...
Investigator & Team Leader
Nick Joss joined Ashdale in 2024, bringing over twelve years of experience as an officer with the Australian Federal Police, including key roles in the Professional Standards Unit. As an investigator and team leader, he conducted complex investigations into serious offences such as terrorism, corruption, and fraud.
Following his federal policing career, Nick served as a Senior Investigator with Queensland Corrective Services’ Ethical Standards Group, where he managed high-risk corrupt conduct investigations. Known for his analytical rigour and commitment to integrity, Nick has built a strong reputation as a leader and mentor in complex...
