One of the most important lessons in any investigation is that assumptions are not evidence.
A concern may be serious. A complaint may sound credible. A person may have a strong view about what occurred. However, an investigation must still be based on evidence.
Assumptions can arise in many ways.
People may assume someone acted dishonestly because they dislike them. A manager may assume a complaint is exaggerated because of previous workplace conflict. A witness may assume they know what happened because they heard part of a conversation or saw part of an event.
These assumptions can affect the fairness and reliability of an investigation.
A proper investigation requires more than accepting the loudest or most confident account. It requires careful assessment of the available material.
This may include:
Speaking with relevant witnesses
Reviewing documents and records
Checking dates and timelines
Comparing accounts
Identifying inconsistencies
Considering alternative explanations
Assessing whether evidence is reliable
Recording what can and cannot be established
This is especially important in workplace and governance matters, where reputations, employment outcomes and organisational risk may be involved.
Investigators should not begin with a preferred outcome. They should begin with the questions that need to be answered.
What happened?
What evidence supports it?
What evidence contradicts it?
What remains disputed?
What cannot be established?
Findings should be based on the available evidence, not suspicion, workplace politics or personal opinion.
The lesson is simple: strong investigations test assumptions rather than rely on them.
At Regional Queensland Investigations, we assist organisations across regional Queensland with evidence-based workplace investigations, misconduct enquiries and independent complaint reviews.
Call to Action
If your organisation needs an investigation based on evidence rather than assumption, contact Regional Queensland Investigations for confidential advice.
📞 1300 870 923
🌐 www.rqinv.com.au
Jason King is the Director of Regional Queensland Investigations Pty Ltd. He has a background in law enforcement, compliance, workplace investigations and corporate investigations, assisting businesses and organisations across regional Queensland and the Northern Territory.