Independence

    Expert Witness Independence Statement

    Where we are retained as an expert witness, our duty is to the Court, not to the party who engages or pays us. This statement explains how we maintain that independence.

    Effective 22 May 2026

    1. Overriding duty

    Our paramount duty is to assist the Court impartially on matters within our area of expertise. This duty overrides any obligation we have to the party retaining us.

    2. Codes we observe

    • Federal Court of Australia – Expert Evidence Practice Note (GPN-EXPT) and the Harmonised Expert Witness Code of Conduct.
    • Supreme Court of Queensland Practice Direction 4 of 2002 – Expert Witnesses.
    • Equivalent codes in other Australian jurisdictions and the High Court of New Zealand Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses where applicable.

    3. How we maintain independence

    • Reports state the facts and assumptions on which opinions are based.
    • We identify any matters outside our expertise.
    • We disclose where an opinion is provisional because data is incomplete.
    • We do not give opinions on legal questions reserved for the Court.
    • Fees are not contingent on the outcome of the matter.

    4. Conflicts of interest

    We screen new matters for conflicts of interest at intake and decline engagements where a real or perceived conflict exists.

    Questions about this policy?

    Contact us through the secure form — we do not publish direct email addresses.

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