For 20+ years, 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 Governments the confidence and clarity they need when it matters most.
Examines allegations of misconduct, breaches of policy, or inappropriate workplace behaviour by council staff.
Focuses on suspected fraud, corruption, or misuse of council resources.
Customer Complaints/ Service Complaints
Investigates incidents, accidents, or breaches of workplace safety obligations.
Investigates complaints about councillor behaviour, such as breaches of the Councillor Code of Conduct, conflicts of interest, or misuse of position.
From one-on-one conflict coaching and facilitated conversations to mediation, and post-mediation support, our approach focuses on restoring relationships, improving communication, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Through tailored workshops and training programs, we equip teams with the knowledge and skills to prevent workplace issues before they escalate. Our sessions build confidence, enhance decision-making, and cultivate a culture of fairness, accountability, and ethical behaviour.
Ashdale operates free from internal politics or bias, ensuring credible, defensible outcomes.
Ashdale operates free from internal politics or bias, ensuring credible, defensible outcomes.
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.
Ashdale was formed by a group of experienced problem-solvers and storytellers, people with backgrounds in policing, child protection, governance, and misconduct investigations, united by a shared belief that resolving workplace issues requires a practical and human approach.
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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