Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide legal advice?

No. Hawkesbury Compliance Advisory does not provide legal advice or interpret legislation on behalf of clients. Our services focus on compliance auditing, risk management, and advisory support in accordance with the WHS Act 2011 (NSW), WHS Regulation 2017 (NSW), and relevant Codes of Practice.
We can identify gaps in compliance and recommend actions to align your business with legislative and ISO requirements, but we do not act as or replace legal counsel.

Are your audits or reports legally binding?

No. Our audit reports and recommendations are advisory in nature. They provide an independent assessment of compliance against recognised standards, not a certification or legal finding.
However, they are designed to help your business demonstrate due diligence and reasonable steps under WHS legislation.

What is the difference between a compliance audit and a legal audit?

A compliance audit reviews your organisation’s systems, documentation, and practices to determine how well they meet WHS and governance obligations.
A legal audit, on the other hand, interprets legislation and provides formal legal opinions — this can only be done by a qualified legal practitioner.
HCA provides practical compliance assessments and improvement recommendations, not legal determinations.

Do you investigate workplace incidents?

We conduct post-incident compliance and systems reviews, focusing on identifying process or control failures that contributed to an event.
We do not carry out regulatory or legal investigations, determine liability, or collect evidence for enforcement purposes.
If an incident involves legal proceedings or regulatory enforcement, we recommend seeking advice from SafeWork NSW or a qualified workplace lawyer.

Do you guarantee compliance outcomes?

No consultant can guarantee full compliance, as it depends on ongoing management commitment and implementation.
HCA provides the tools, systems, and advice to help you achieve and maintain compliance, but the PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) retains ultimate legal responsibility for workplace health and safety.

How do you manage confidentiality?

All client information is handled in strict confidence and in accordance with our Privacy Policy (HCA-POL-001) and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Client data is securely stored and only accessed by authorised personnel for the purpose of delivering services. Please refer to the Privacy Policy page for more information.

Can you represent my business to regulators or insurers?

We can assist in preparing documentation or evidence of compliance for submission, but we do not act as an authorised representative, agent, or spokesperson in legal or regulatory matters.

Do you work with not-for-profits or community organisations?

Yes. We support community-based and not-for-profit organisations to strengthen their WHS and governance systems in a way that fits their structure, size, and resources. Not-for-profit organisations and community groups can discuss with us on the discounts we can provide on case-by-case basis.

What industries do you work with?

We primarily serve small to medium enterprises across the Hawkesbury, and Greater Western Sydney regions, including sectors such as trades, community services, construction, hospitality, and administration.

What happens after an audit or health check?

You’ll receive a clear report outlining identified gaps, risks, and recommended actions. You can choose to implement those actions internally or engage HCA to assist you in developing a compliance framework that suits your business's needs.

Is Hawkesbury Compliance Advisory insured?

Yes. HCA holds Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance, covering the professional advisory and auditing services we provide.

Are your services suitable for sole traders or microbusinesses?

Absolutely. Our services are designed to scale — from simple WHS health checks for sole operators to full compliance systems for growing SMEs.

How often should my business undergo a compliance review?

We recommend at least an annual review or whenever significant changes occur (e.g., new staff, processes, or premises).
Regular reviews demonstrate due diligence and help maintain compliance with evolving WHS requirements.