With a career spanning work health and safety, environmental compliance, quality systems, and risk governance, Gareth Davies brings a rare depth of multidisciplinary insight to his role as an expert witness. As Managing Director of SafeAssure Pty Ltd, he works at the intersection of technical compliance and leadership development-helping organisations not only meet regulatory obligations but embed long-term cultural change. In this interview, Gareth shares how his practical, systems-based approach shapes his expert testimony, the growing influence of ESG and data analytics in litigation, and why true safety goes far beyond ticking boxes.
You've worked extensively across WHS, environmental, and quality systems - how does this multidisciplinary background strengthen your role when you're called in as an expert witness?
My multidisciplinary background enhances my role as an expert witness by providing a well-rounded understanding of how different systems - WHS, environmental, and quality - interconnect and impact one another. This perspective allows me to identify root causes and broader system failures that may not be immediately apparent from a single discipline. Additionally, it helps me evaluate and communicate risks, compliance gaps, and operational issues from a comprehensive standpoint, ensuring my findings are thorough and nuanced.
In your experience, what distinguishes a credible and persuasive expert witness from one who's merely technically qualified?
A credible and persuasive expert witness doesn't just present technical facts, they translate complex issues into clear, understandable terms while remaining impartial and objective. Their ability to communicate effectively with both legal teams and non-experts, their deep understanding of the industry, and their practical experience in applying compliance systems make them stand out. What truly sets them apart is their integrity and the ability to offer insights that are not just technically accurate but also relevant and actionable within the context of the case.
SafeAssure supports organisations through auditing, training, and risk management - how do you ensure that your consulting work translates into tangible, long-term change for clients?
At SafeAssure, we focus on embedding sustainable, practical solutions tailored to each client's needs. We don't just provide advice, we help organisations implement real change by delivering strategic action plans, training programs, and ongoing support. By fostering ownership of management systems, aligning them with the client's values, and ensuring that leadership is actively engaged in the process, we ensure that improvements are deeply integrated into the company culture and operations, driving long-term results.
Can you walk us through a case where your expert opinion had a significant influence on the legal outcome? What did it teach you about the expert witness process?
One notable case involved a construction site safety incident where I provided an expert assessment on risk management failures and compliance breaches. My findings highlighted specific gaps in the company's safety systems that were not immediately evident during initial investigations. This insight significantly influenced the legal outcome, as it demonstrated that the incident could have been prevented with proper adherence to safety protocols. It reinforced the importance of a detailed, systematic approach when evaluating safety systems and underscored the need for clear, fact-based testimony in influencing legal outcomes.
With ESG increasingly under the microscope, how are you seeing businesses shift their approach - and where do you think many are still falling short?
Businesses are increasingly integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their strategies, recognising the importance of sustainability and corporate responsibility. However, many still struggle with implementing meaningful actions beyond just compliance. While some focus on reporting ESG metrics, they often lack comprehensive systems for tracking and improving these areas across the board. The gap remains in aligning true cultural change with the ESG framework, particularly when it comes to long-term accountability and transparency in risk management. Difficulty also presents for smaller less mature organisations to embrace ESG due to a lack of knowledge, resourcing and funding, which is where specialist consultants/advisers can support meaningful outcomes.
Your work spans both technical compliance and leadership development. How important is internal culture in preventing the kinds of failures that often end up in court?
Internal culture is crucial in preventing the kinds of failures that lead to legal disputes. Technical compliance alone cannot replace a strong safety culture where leadership genuinely prioritises risk management and employee wellbeing. In my experience, organisations with a proactive safety culture, where leadership is engaged and employees feel empowered to speak up, tend to prevent incidents and foster a safer working environment. Leadership development plays a key role here, ensuring that those in charge not only understand compliance but also champion a culture of safety and responsibility throughout the organisation.
What's your approach when preparing a report or testimony for legal proceedings, especially when the subject matter is complex or highly specialised?
When preparing a report or testimony, I ensure clarity and precision. I start by thoroughly understanding the specific context of the case, reviewing all relevant documentation, conducting relevant person interviews, attending sites for inspections, and identifying pertinent issues for further investigation. I then structure my findings in a way that addresses both the technical and legal aspects, making sure that complex concepts are broken down into easily digestible insights. Throughout, I maintain a focus on objectivity, ensuring that my opinions are based on facts and supported by data and legislation, which helps establish credibility and relevance in the proceedings.
Looking ahead, what emerging trends do you think will have the greatest impact on expert witness work in areas like WHS and risk governance?
One emerging trend is the increasing role of data analytics in WHS and risk governance. As organisations collect more data on workplace safety, incidents, and operational risks, expert witnesses will need to rely more on data-driven insights to support their opinions. Another trend is the growing integration of AI in risk management and compliance, which will likely lead to the need for expert witnesses who understand how these technologies impact workplace safety and compliance processes. As regulations evolve, especially in areas like psychosocial hazards and mental health, there will be a shift toward a more holistic view of risk, requiring expert witnesses to address not just physical but also psychological and cultural safety issues. Concerningly, the advancement of AI will also see Expert Witnesses looking to utilise platforms to generate information and present themselves as experts when they don't actually have the experience or practical application of the knowledge they include within their reports. This will be something for legal practitioners and barristers to scrutinise to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information that may form the basis of the argument.
