

Fire Science/Research
We are highly qualified international experts in fire safety science and engineering, providing research-based expert advice and related services to a wide range of private and public sector clients.
The Halliwell Fire Science Research team has extensive experience in providing expert witness services for litigation, advising on product development, undertaking applied research in the areas of fire, evacuation, and risk-related topics, and conducting specialist reviews of engineering designs.
We are known for our proven track record, research-driven excellence, and interdisciplinary brilliance over a wide spectrum of fire science and engineering needs.
Our Team
Our experts have previously worked for product manufacturers, engineering consulting companies, in universities, as well as research institutes and fire testing laboratories.
Our experts shape the industry and are heavily involved with international standard bodies developing the next generation of tools and practices.
What We Provide
- Expert Advisory Services
- Applied Research
- Product Research and Development
- Specialist Reviews
- Fire Safety Engineering
- Fire Investigation Training
- Fire and Toxicological Research

Passive Fire advisory

We are committed to providing independent and reliable advice on passive fire protection systems and requirements. Our focus is on achieving design compliance and effective installation of passive fire protection solutions that adhere to regulatory building codes.
We specialize in passive design and specification, construction monitoring, consulting for multiple utility providers, and commercial construction. We serve as expert witnesses and provide support at various stages of litigation, even after settlement. In addition, we are often called upon to speak at industry events and offer training to industry peers.
Our Team
We are an independent team of specialists working with architects, approved authorities, contractors and building owners. As industry experts, we collaborate with construction design teams to ensure the compliance and safety of the building.
We also provide independent professional advice on correct solutions and options specific to individual applications, protections and budgetary requirements. At each step of the process, we offer reliable solutions—from consulting on passive fire protection and site inspection surveys, to a complete specified, designed and signed off solution.
With our extensive knowledge and experience, we have proven the ability to understand the systems and products in the market, including compliance and limitations.
What We Provide
- Design and Specification Services
- Construction Monitoring
- Inspection Audits
- Education and Training
- Litigation and Expert Witness Services
Code and Regulatory Compliance
Halliwell, through the acquisition of du Chateau Chun, has established itself as a professional firm of building regulation and building code advisors, delivering a comprehensive range of building code, fire life safety, accessibility, design and compliance consultancy services.
Our Team
Our specialized team are leaders in the building and regulatory consulting sector for over 30 years and today hold the reputation as leaders in the area of building design compliance, performance-based design, risk advisory and accessibility, and assessment and certification services.
What We Provide
Building Code and Fire Life Safety Consulting
- Pre-development code consulting and advice
- Economic and cost-effective design compliance identification
- Authority liaison and consultation
- Appeals Board, Tribunal or Court advocacy and expert witness
- Building code, fire life safety, asset management and due diligence audits
- Building inspections, inspection advice during construction
Accessibility and DDA Consulting
- Planning / Development applications, reports and statements in relation to accessibility and Disabled Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements
- Audit of new and existing buildings to identify areas of DDA non-compliance
- Assessment of access provisions through the design and construction phases
- Issue of design and construction compliance statements
Performance Based Design Solutions and Assessment
- Performance based design solution advice
- Development of performance solutions and reports for compliance with the NCC performance requirements
- Fire and smoke development analysis for egress assessment
- Assessment of active and passive fire systems and services
- Assessment of health and amenity provisions
Essential Safety Measures
- Identifying building essential safety measures in accordance with respective State and Territory regulations codes and standards
- Co-ordination and supervision of active systems and services
- Development of ‘Essential Safety Measures’ project specific building maintenance schedules
- Annual Essential Safety Measures Reports, fire safety statements and certification

CIVIL/STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

We are leading forensic engineers providing solutions, analysis and investigation outcomes across the property industry.
Our Team
Our Chartered and Registered Professional Engineers have extensive background in consulting and forensic engineering including the design and documentation of high rise residential and commercial buildings, retail centres, industrial facilities and public structures.
Our professional engineers have gained significant experience in assessing building damage and defects, conducting root cause analysis, designing remediation works and delivering expert witness services.
What We Provide
Our professional engineers provide services in:
- Structural Integrity Assessments / Failure and Collapse Analysis
- Fire/Storm/Wind/Flood/Earthquake Damage Evaluations
- Immediate Make Safe Works Designs
- Construction Defect Investigation
- Site Stormwater Drainage Assessment
- Roof Drainage and Construction Assessments
- Moisture Ingress Analysis
- Building Reinstatement Design and Scope of Works
- Industrial and Road Pavement Failure Assessments
- Retaining Wall Failures
- Swimming Pool Failures (Commercial and Domestic)
- Sinkhole Formation and Analysis
- Protection Works Assessments
- Expert Witness Reporting and Testimony
MECHANICAL Engineering
Our professional engineers are experts in evaluating a wide range of mechanical equipment and machinery and offering scope of damage assessments, origin and cause analysis, and repair or replacement recommendations.
Our Team
Our team are industry leading experts with experience in mining, manufacturing, marine and heavy industry, automation, research and development and a range of mechanical engineering qualifications.
What We Provide
Our services include:
- Mechanical System Forensic Origin and Cause Evaluations
- Repair Scope Determinations
- Mechanical Equipment Damage Evaluations
- Refrigeration and Plumbing System Evaluations
- Agriculture Process Systems Investigations
- Elevator Investigations and Analysis
- Machinery Evaluations
- Heavy Equipment Evaluations
- Wind Turbine Evaluations
- Compliance Reviews
- Investigative Engineering Reports
- Scope of Works preparation and analysis
- Independent cost analysis
- Expert Witness and litigation support

Electrical Engineering

At Halliwell, we understand the complexities of electrical systems and offer a comprehensive team of engineers who focus on the study, design and application of these systems.
Our Team
Our electrical engineering team has extensive experience in delivering complex projects across the Mining (surface and underground), Heavy Industrial Engineering, and Electrical Infrastructure sectors.
What We Provide
Our team are adept in all phases of project execution – from planning and scheduling to budgeting, commissioning, and operational handover. We are skilled in managing critical system design, industrial control applications, and HV reticulation systems.
Our team provides expertise relating to:
- Electrical Engineering
- Project Engineering
- Project Management
- Tender/Specification Documentation and Process Management
- Project Execution and Commissioning
- Transformers
- Substation and Switching Equipment
- Solar Plant Equipment
- Electrical Fires
- Forensic Investigation and Expert Opinion
- Root Cause Analysis
- Repair and Replacement determinations
- Cost evaluation
FIRE/Failure Cause and Origin
Halliwell provides valuable insights and expertise to help companies manage risk, understand liability, and make informed decisions. When you have questions about why and how a loss happens, you can trust our professional technical investigations to provide answers and information about cause, risks, and liability.
In Australia and New Zealand, this team was established in 1997 as a fire scene investigation company and evolved over time into a national technical investigation company. Our expertise and services now extend across the entire Asia Pacific region.
We forensically investigate incidents and provide information that insurers and other businesses rely on to make informed decisions.
Our Team
We are a team of highly respected industry specialists at the forefront of our disciplines, acknowledged throughout Australia and New Zealand as experts in forensic fire and technical investigations.
Our senior forensic investigators must meet tertiary qualifications in Forensic Science, maintain their ANZIIF accreditation and have five years practical experience investigating property, vehicle, marine, plant and equipment fires. Many have tertiary qualifications in chemistry, public safety and electrical trades.
The forensic engineers on our team are tertiary qualified, have 10 years or more experience in their specialty. Our specialties include electrical, solar, mechatronics and chemical.
What We Provide
- Fire Forensics
- Forensic Engineering
- Expert Opinion
- Factual Investigation
- Analytical Services
- Risk Management

FACTUAL INVESTIGATION

We have developed an enviable reputation for quality in-depth factual investigation. We currently work with some of the region’s largest insurance companies and leading insurance law specialists.
Our comprehensive investigations and collation of evidence have been instrumental in the handling of litigated matters. We are renowned for investigating difficult, complex, and technical cases, having conducted thousands of investigations over many decades.
Our Team
Our licensed investigators conduct detailed factual investigations to impartially establish the circumstances surrounding all types of loss incidents or events. Our team provide services across the Asia Pacific region.
Using our trained professionals and proven procedures, we know the right questions to ask and use reliable sources to verify data. We operate entirely within the relevant legislation.
What We Provide
- Experienced licensed investigators
- Management of complex and technical investigations
- Evidence collation and analysis
- Regional coverage
- Expert testimony