Our team

Paula Hoctor

Principal & Workplace Investigator

Paula Hoctor, Principal of Q Workplace Solutions, has over 10 years of experience as an
employment law practitioner and has focused exclusively on conducting workplace
investigations since founding Q Workplace Solutions in 2011. Q Workplace Solutions is
actively involved in the Australasian Association of Workplace Investigators.

Kerryn Tredwell

Workplace Investigator
Practice Leader (NSW, Vic & SA)

Belinda Copley

Workplace Investigator Practice Leader (Qld)

Kyleigh Hindson

Workplace Investigator Practice Leader (Qld)

Corlia Roos

Workplace Investigator

Justine Turnbull

Workplace Investigator

David Gunzburg

Workplace Investigator

Diana Knight

Workplace Investigator

Elizabeth Winstanley

Workplace Investigator

Emma Kirkland

Workplace Investigator

Rachel Cornes

Workplace Investigator

Sarah Peacock

Workplace Investigator

Sarah Hill

Workplace Investigator & Training Specialist

Susan Forder

Workplace Investigator
Caroline O'Connor - Q Workplace Solutions

Caroline O'Connor

Workplace Investigator

Photo of Courtney David

Courtney David

Workplace Investigator

Photo of Berta Nagy

Berta Nagy

Workplace Investigator

Kirsten McMaugh

Chief Financial Officer

To find out more, please contact us for
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Paula Hoctor

Principal & Workplace Investigator
BA LLB (Hons) LLM

The Specialist. The Leader. The Expert.

Principal of Q Workplace Solutions, Paula Hoctor is a highly skilled, legally trained and experienced workplace investigator, whose specialised services benefit clients all over Australia.

Since its launch in 2011, Q Workplace Solutions has realised national expansion and an ever-growing client list. Paula’s skills are sought by an extensive range of public and private sector clients, scoping education, health, finance, legal, construction and resources industries. Paula and her team of dedicated workplace investigators are recurrently required by national law firms such as Herbert Smith Freehills, Ashurst, Minter Ellison, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Norton Rose Fulbright and Allens to conduct workplace investigations on behalf of their clients.

Prior to founding Q Workplace Solutions, Paula practiced for over a decade in employment law and professional standards, primarily with Herbert Smith Freehills. Paula utilises her legal and investigative experience to conduct fair and rigorous investigations, whilst maintaining a sensitive and pragmatic approach. 

A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Paula is an experienced Director. Paula also enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge about investigations with others through Q Workplace Training and is co-editor of Workplace Investigations: Principles and Practice, 2nd Edition (LexisNexis, 2023).

Kerryn Tredwell

Workplace Investigator
Practice Leader (NSW, Vic & SA)

BA LLB (Hons)

Employment Law Expert. Trusted Professional.

An employment and labour law specialist, Kerryn Tredwell brings two decades of legal experience, expertise and skill to conducting often highly sensitive workplace investigations for Q Workplace Solutions.

As a dedicated workplace investigations specialist, Kerryn draws on her background as Senior Associate and Partner in leading national and international law firms, where she managed numerous legal claims for clients including sexual harassment, discrimination, unfair dismissal and general protections. Kerryn’s experience spans industries ranging from financial services, insurance and technology to transport, manufacturing, health, film and media, across both public and private sectors.

Kerryn offers an international perspective, having spent four years as an employment lawyer with a global law firm based in the UK. Experience as in house employment counsel at one of Australia’s ‘Big Four’ banks, also provided Kerryn with invaluable first hand people and conflict management insight.

As Practice Leader of the New South Wales and Victorian branches of Q Workplace Solutions, Kerryn leads and manages a team of highly talented, legally-qualified and experienced workplace investigation specialists.

Belinda Copley

Workplace Investigator

Practice Leader (Qld)

LLB (Hons) BBus (InternatBus)
GradDip Legal Practice
Cert IV Training and Assessment
LLM (Continuing)

Accomplished Investigator. Broad Experience.

An accomplished and experienced employment and workplace relations lawyer, Belinda Copley has spent over a decade advising on and conducting workplace investigations. Belinda has conducted complex and large-scale workplace investigations for government bodies, educational institutions and ASX-listed companies across numerous industries including health, education, mining, media, professional and financial services.

Belinda has recently conducted a number of investigations concerning Public Interest Disclosures and has been appointed to conduct investigations as a Health Service Investigator, pursuant to the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 (Qld).

Prior to joining Q Workplace Solutions, Belinda’s tenure as in-house Legal Counsel with an international information and communications technology organisation involved investigations into allegations of employee misconduct. Belinda’s sensitive approach ensured sustainable and ongoing working relationships.

As Special Counsel for multinational law firm K&L Gates, Belinda advised clients on an expansive range of workplace issues such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying, victimisation and adverse action claims. Belinda’s specialist advice was relied on for managing public relations, police investigations and whistleblower complaints. Acting as a ‘sounding board’ for HR practitioners, Belinda advised on performance management processes and discipline.

A skilled writer and published author, Belinda has written articles and opinion pieces on aspects of workplace investigations and employee relations. Belinda brings a wealth of experience and skill to Q Workplace Solutions.

Kyleigh Hindson

Workplace Investigator

Practice Leader (Qld)

LLB (Hons)

Superior Investigation Skills. Results Oriented.

A valued member of Q Workplace Solutions since 2014, Kyleigh Hindson offers clients her expertise accumulated over two decades of conducting thorough, fair and reliable workplace investigations.

During this time, Kyleigh has conducted countless investigations and reviews for a broad range of global and national private sector organisations as well as federal, state and local public sector entities. Investigations are conducted meticulously, sensitively and fairly and include highly complex and large-scale issues across many industries such as mining, health, education, construction, professional services, banking and finance. Kyleigh’s significant workplace investigation experience includes sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination, conflicts of interest and misuse of resources.

Prior to joining Q Workplace Solutions, Kyleigh was a consultancy director for almost a decade and appeared as a litigation lawyer across several jurisdictions in both the public and private sectors. Kyleigh has significant experience in the gathering and presentation of evidence and provided advice and representation across a broad range of matters including commercial and workplace disputes, criminal prosecutions, mining, native title, property, land, tenure and administrative law.

Multi-skilled, commercially astute and professionally driven, Kyleigh is renowned for her ability to deliver objective and comprehensive investigations for Q Workplace Solutions’ clients.

Corlia Roos

Workplace Investigator

BA LLB (Hons) MBA

The Big Picture. Knowledge in Practice.

Corlia Roos is a skilled, talented and knowledgeable member of the Q Workplace Solutions team. With over 25 years’ experience as a subject matter expert on employment law, employee and industrial relations and human resource management, Corlia is a specialist in her field.

From her career beginnings as a Barrister in the Labour Court of South Africa, subsequent tenure at Freehills as Employee Relations Advisor, through to her roles in employee relations and business operations with the Australian Mines and Metals Association and with Linc Energy, Corlia has conducted countless workplace investigations.

Corlia’s investigation experience spans both public and private sectors across a broad range of industries and she has been appointed on numerous occasions as a Health Service Investigator pursuant to the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 (Qld).

Corlia is adept at managing large, document intensive investigations occurring in complex legal environments and where sensitivity and diplomacy are essential. Corlia is regularly appointed by national law firms and Crown Law to conduct investigations for their clients.

Justine Turnbull

Workplace Investigator
BEc. LLB (Hons)

Employment Law Expert. Board and Executive Expertise.

Justine Turnbull’s extensive employment law experience, skill and commercial approach sees her regularly called upon by clients to conduct some of Q Workplace Solutions’ most complex, sensitive and high-level investigations. During an impressive legal career spanning more than two decades, Justine has amassed considerable specialist experience, particularly at executive level, advising on all types of workplace misconduct, including discrimination, bullying and harassment.

As a founding partner at Seyfarth Shaw Australia and former partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, Justine advised private and public enterprises on national and global levels. She brings extensive experience advising on a wide range of workplace issues such as disciplinary and performance matters, employee hire and retention, pay practices and processes and workforce reductions.

Through her interaction and communication with employees at all organisational levels across countless industries, including financial services, media, gaming, retail, manufacturing, recruitment and property, Justine gained an acute understanding of the depth and scale of employment challenges faced by workplaces.

As a former board member for Catholic Schools NSW/ACT, Access EAP and TAFE NSW, Justine has played instrumental roles in driving both commercial business success and rapid industry growth. Justine is a valued, trusted and respected asset to Q Workplace Solutions.

David Gunzburg

Workplace Investigator
B. Comm

Human Resources Expert. Global Outlook.

David Gunzburg offers Q Workplace Solutions decades of experience in the fields of human resources and industrial relations. Over the course of his career, David has investigated a vast range of workplace grievances and assisted organisations with an expansive range of human resource services, including mediation and facilitated discussions.

Drawing on his experience as a senior HR executive for some of Australia’s foremost organisations such as BHP, Orica and the Australian Mines and Metals Association, David established his consultancy firm, DGHR, in 2001. He has provided expert consulting services to organisations across numerous industries within the resources, manufacturing, airline, engineering and health sectors, both in South East Asia and within Australia.

David’s workplace investigations are conducted with professionalism and efficiency, balancing a practical approach with sensitivity and insight. David brings deep understanding and vast knowledge on the ‘human element’ in organisations, given his expertise in a broad range of HR fields such as employee relations, recruitment, personal development, change management, HR strategy, leadership development and executive coaching.

David extends a wealth of practical, hands-on experience in the conduct of workplace investigations and mediations to the valued clients of Q Workplace Solutions.

Diana Knight

Workplace Investigator
BA(Hons) JD(Hons)

Skilled investigator. Conflict specialist.

Diana is a specialist investigator and accomplished conflict resolution practitioner who applies her passion for people, culture and communication to her work.

With experience in federal, state and territory government, as well as private industry, Diana
is a highly regarded and respected expert in investigations, complaints handling and resolution.

As a senior investigator at the ACT Human Rights Commission Diana gained valuable experience across a range of industries, including public and private health care, education, aged care, and employee misconduct and workplace grievances. Diana has conducted numerous investigations involving allegations of bullying, sexual harassment, abuse of vulnerable people, and discrimination.

Diana is experienced in trauma-informed practices and culturally responsive practices. Throughout her career, Diana has managed sensitive and complex cases, with a commitment to high professional standards, integrity, fairness and respect. She shares her enthusiasm through training, coaching and supervising others. She regularly presents and guest lectures on investigation-related topics including complex communication skills, working with vulnerable parties, and responding to complaints.

Diana is legally qualified and is a nationally accredited mediator.

Elizabeth Winstanley

Workplace Investigator

LLB (Hons) BCom

Skilled Communicator. Workplace Specialist.

Elizabeth Winstanley is a human resources consultant and trained legal professional, who utilises her extensive experience in HR strategy, corporate governance and employee relations to deliver impartial, and independent investigations for organisations to solve workplace issues effectively.  Known for integrity, empathy and a calm considered approach, Elizabeth is skilled in communicating with a broad array of stakeholders and interview participants.

Prior to joining Q Workplace Solutions, for over a decade Elizabeth held human resources and executive roles within a leading global mining contractor. During this time Elizabeth developed a broad range of expertise in HR strategy, communication, change management, employee relations, governance, employee and business misconduct investigations, performance management, employee engagement strategy, mobility, remuneration and HRIS systems.

This wide variety of business experience, with legal grounding means Elizabeth is well placed to practically manage sensitive and complex investigations that mitigate reputational, financial and legal risk while ensuring participants’ rights are respected and wellbeing monitored. 

Emma Kirkland

Workplace Investigator

Highly Accomplished. Diverse Experience.

With her career firmly grounded in employment law, Emma Kirkland is an accomplished and experienced lawyer. Emma has amassed over 15 years’ legal experience in both sizeable and boutique firms in Australia and New Zealand, and across both private and public sectors.

As Principal Advisor in the Performance and Conduct Team of a large government agency, Emma managed a broad range of complex workplace disciplinary matters involving allegations of employee misconduct. Emma’s breadth of private sector law firm and in-house experience encompassed industrial relations and employment law roles that focused on the provision of specialist advice and practical recommendations.

Building and sustaining effective professional relationships has been key to Emma’s successful career. As an experienced people manager, Emma understands the importance of sensitivity, discretion and consideration in the conduct of workplace investigations.

A highly skilled communicator, Emma has a demonstrated ability to liaise and connect with all workplace investigations stakeholders. Passionate about employment law, Emma is focused on the detail and is dedicated to conducting fair and impartial investigations. Emma is a knowledgeable and skilful asset to the clients of Q Workplace Solutions.

Rachel Cornes

Workplace Investigator

Focused Approach. Employment Law Expertise.

With the benefit of more than a decade’s experience in employment law, Rachel Cornes has applied her legal experience and skill to the conduct of complex workplace investigations for Q Workplace Solutions since 2016. Prior to joining Q Workplace Solutions, as a lawyer with Ashurst’s Employment Team, Rachel was relied on to assist clients in managing industrial action, redundancies and workplace restructures and to regularly respond to employee misconduct complaints.

Rachel furthered her employment law expertise as Principal Lawyer in Crown Law’s Workplace Law Team in Brisbane. Rachel was a trusted advisor to state government departments, conducting and advising on countless workplace investigations into bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment claims.

Whilst at Crown Law, Rachel conducted the Barrett Adolescent Centre Commission of Inquiry during her secondment as Principal Legal Officer. This inquiry into a public mental health facility in Queensland was a complex and contentious investigation that demanded accountability. Rachel’s superior investigative and evidence analysis skills were depended on by the Commission in preparing findings and conclusions.

Rachel has significant experience conducting Health Service Investigations under Part 9 of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 (Qld) as well as conducting investigations under the oversight of the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission.

Rachel’s sensitive and focused approach, proficient communication skills and her wealth of knowledge and expertise has cemented her reputation as a skilled investigator.

Sarah Peacock

Workplace Investigator
BA LLB (Hons)

Employment Law Expert. Considered. Trusted.

Sarah brings over twenty years of experience in workplace investigations, employment law, HR advisory work, industrial relations and employment tribunal advocacy.

As a workplace investigator, Sarah draws on her vast experience as a partner in two leading UK law firms, renowned for their expertise in employment law, advising and representing clients from various industries in the public and private sector including manufacturing, education, not for profit, defence, health care, retail and technology.  Sarah has conducted and advised on numerous investigations including those involving allegations of bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment.  Sarah has significant expertise in complaint handling processes and investigations involving whistleblower complaints.

Sarah’s first career as a nurse and midwife enhances her people skills and, as such, she is quickly able to establish relationships and gain trust, enabling her to deal with investigations effectively, in a sensitive and professional manner.

Sarah Hill

Workplace Investigator & Training Specialist

BA LLB(Hons)

Understanding. Consultative. Passionate.

Industry Experience and a deep understanding
Having spent ten years as a legal practitioner (primarily with Herbert Smith Freehills), Sarah has an in-depth comprehension of workplace challenges and incidents. In 2013, Sarah commenced working exclusively as a workplace investigation specialist for Q Workplace Solutions; handling complex and highly sensitive investigations for public and private sector clients.
Delivering effective workplace training starts with a deep understanding of workplace dynamics and people culture. Sarah’s legal and workplace investigation background and her wide experience in dealing with a variety of stakeholders in challenging environments, provides her with a wealth of practical knowledge to understand the training needs of your individual business.

High Demand for Training
Sarah has returned to Q Workplace Solutions to manage the high demand for our in-house, tailored and public training workshops, and to ensure our public resources continually exceed best industry standards.

Passionate about Training
Sarah is passionate about workplace training, and strongly believes in a pragmatic approach to helping businesses develop their front-line managers and leaders. When it comes to training programs, Sarah is driven to ensure Q Workplace Solutions meets the particular needs of participants and seeks to understand the culture and objectives of your organisation when delivering bespoke programs. Our training workshops are expertly developed to create an open and safe place where participants can put forward ideas, learn from the trainer and other peers.

Susan Forder

Workplace Investigator
BA(Hons) JD(Hons)

Skilled Investigator. Valuable Insight.

Susan Forder’s impressive legal career has equipped her with the specialist skills required to conduct complex and detailed workplace investigations. Susan’s broad experience and enviable abilities ensure her investigations are handled with sensitivity and insight.

As a lawyer in the Workplace Law Team at Crown Law, Susan gained valuable public sector experience working in the Department of Justice and Attorney-General; also spending time at the Australian Government Solicitor’s office with the Civil Regulation Team. Susan advised on numerous public interest disclosures and investigations into employee misconduct within government departments.

During her tenure as a barrister at Gerard Brennan and then McPherson Chambers, Susan specialised in commercial, workplace and administrative disputes, leading or assisting in large-scale investigations across numerous industries, including financial services, health and education. Susan’s investigations have spanned workplace matters including sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination, conflicts of interest, retaliation and other forms of misconduct.

A skilled communicator, Susan’s experience in assessing and investigating allegations has equipped her with expert people skills, including the ability to engage with employees at all organisational levels. These talents, combined with Susan’s analytical and investigative skills, ensure quality outcomes for valued clients of Q Workplace Solutions.

Caroline O'Connor - Q Workplace Solutions

Caroline O'Connor

Workplace Investigator

LLB (Hons)
BBusMgt
GDLP

Diligent Investigator. Impartial & Empathetic.

As an experienced lawyer in employment, industrial relations and workplace health and safety, Caroline O’Connor is adept at managing the legal, commercial, and reputational risks that accompany investigations into sensitive workplace matters. 

Prior to joining Q Workplace Solutions in 2024, Caroline spent more than a decade advising large private and not-for-profit companies – primarily in the mining, gas, health and education sectors – on complex and often high-profile workplace matters involving allegations of discrimination, adverse action, unfair dismissal and sexual harassment. Earlier in her career, Caroline was an Associate to a Member of the Fair Work Commission and in-house solicitor at the Fair Work Ombudsman. 

This broad-ranging experience has seen Caroline successfully act for both employers and employees across a wide range of matters. Caroline therefore brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role as an investigator, having advised and represented many employee respondents at the centre of workplace investigations including anti-corruption investigations and inquiries, as well as employees compelled to give evidence to work health and safety regulators and the courts in both work health and safety prosecutions and coronial inquests. She is acutely aware of the importance of conducting timely investigations to the highest standard, with fairness, empathy, and integrity.

Caroline is also a highly skilled communicator and workplace trainer who is at ease delivering workplace presentations and training to executives and employees. Recently, she developed and delivered a tailored Respect@Work education package to a coal mine operator’s executive, head office staff and on-site workforce.

Courtney David

Assistant Workplace Investigator
B Laws(Hons) Grad Dip. Legal Practice

Experienced Litigator. Sensitive Approach.

Courtney has broad ranging legal experience that has equipped her to assist on complex and sensitive workplace investigations.

Courtney’s background as a litigation lawyer in private practice included advising on and representing corporations in relation to disputes, including allegations of fraudulent conduct or workplace misconduct against board members, partners and directors.

Courtney has a particular interest in investigations involving misconduct of a criminal nature and the whistle blower protections under the Corporations Act.

Passionate about achieving a fair and impartial outcome for all parties involved in the investigation process, Courtney is a valued member of the Q Workplace team.

Berta Nagy

Workplace Investigator

B Laws – LLB

Experienced Investigator. Empathetic Approach.

Berta is passionate about creating healthy workplaces by delivering thorough and impartial investigations and culture reviews. 

Prior to joining QWS, Berta practiced as an employment lawyer at a national top-tier law firm. Berta relies on her experience in work health and safety, employment law, and general protection matters to aptly navigate workplace investigations at QWS.

Berta’s approach to workplace investigations is characterised by empathy, professionalism, and a trauma-informed perspective, qualities that create trust among investigation participants and ensure a supportive and fair process.

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