Hobart is a small city with a geography that shapes investigation work more than its size suggests. Greater Hobart sits across the Derwent estuary, and with only two river crossings the water is the single biggest constraint on any moving surveillance. An operative on the wrong shore when a subject moves has lost them.
Investigation services in Hobart
Every service we run is available here:
- Surveillance. Covert observation with court ready video, photographic and written evidence.
- Background checks. Identity, history and credential verification for employers, landlords and partners.
- Factual investigations. Impartial statements and interviews for insurers, lawyers and employers.
- Workplace investigations. Misconduct, bullying, theft and false sick leave.
- Child custody investigations. Welfare and conduct evidence for family law proceedings.
- Person tracing. Locating missing family, beneficiaries, debtors and witnesses.
- Fraud and theft investigations. Identifying offenders and quantifying losses.
- Insurance investigations. Claim validation and surveillance for insurers and self insurers.
- Counter surveillance. Bug sweeps and detection of cameras, listening devices and trackers.
- Business investigations. Internal fraud, due diligence, intellectual property theft and compliance.
- Addiction investigations. Discreet confirmation of alcohol or gambling concerns.
- Phone number searches. Tracing unknown, withheld and harassing callers.
Where we work in and around Hobart
The western shore covers the city, Battery Point, Sandy Bay, South and West Hobart, New Town, Lenah Valley and Mount Stuart, running north through Moonah, Derwent Park, Glenorchy, Claremont, Berriedale and Austins Ferry. The eastern shore covers Bellerive, Howrah, Rosny and Rosny Park, Lindisfarne, Warrane, Mornington, Montagu Bay, Geilston Bay, Tranmere and out to Lauderdale, Seven Mile Beach and Cambridge. Kingborough sits to the south through Kingston, Kingston Beach, Blackmans Bay, Margate and Snug. Brighton and Bridgewater are to the north, with Old Beach and Pontville, and Sorell, Midway Point and Dodges Ferry to the east.
Because the estuary splits the city, Hobart jobs are planned around the Tasman and Bridgewater crossings rather than around distance. We also cover the Derwent Valley through New Norfolk, the Huon through Huonville, and Bruny Island. Launceston and the north west coast are separate operating areas and are covered from there rather than pretending a single Hobart base can reach them quickly.
What Tasmania law means for investigation work here
Tasmania licenses investigators under the Security and Investigations Agents Act 2002, administered by Consumer, Building and Occupational Services. The structure is an agent licence carrying endorsements, and investigation work sits under the inquiry agent endorsement. Holding a licence and holding the right endorsement are two different things, so it is worth asking specifically.
Tasmania has no surveillance devices act. Listening devices are covered by the Listening Devices Act 1991, and optical surveillance and tracking are not covered by a dedicated statute. What constrains them instead is section 13A of the Police Offences Act 1935, on observing or recording a person in a private place or engaged in a private act, and the stalking offence in section 192 of the Criminal Code, which expressly covers repeated watching and surveillance.
The federal statutory tort of serious invasion of privacy, which commenced on 10 June 2025, applies on top of TAS law and contains no exemption for private investigators. Full detail on the TAS framework is on our Tasmania page.
This is general information about how we operate, not legal advice. For advice on your circumstances, speak with your lawyer.
Where the evidence ends up
- Magistrates Court of Tasmania, Hobart. Criminal and General, Civil, Coroners and Administrative Appeals divisions. Civil claims to $15,000 as minor claims and $15,001 to $50,000 as civil claims.
- Supreme Court of Tasmania, Hobart. Serious crime and major civil work.
- TASCAT. Including the workers compensation stream that absorbed the former Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Tribunal.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Family law is federal, even where the conduct investigated is governed by TAS rules.
Frequently asked questions
Do private investigators need a licence in Hobart?
Yes. Tasmania requires an agent licence under the Security and Investigations Agents Act 2002, and it must carry the inquiry agent endorsement for investigation work. Ask specifically about the endorsement rather than just the licence.
Does the lack of a surveillance devices act mean anything goes in Hobart?
No. The Police Offences Act privacy provision, the stalking offence and the federal privacy tort all still apply, and a court will still ask how evidence was obtained.
How quickly can you start in Hobart?
Greater Hobart work can usually be arranged at short notice. Because the city splits across the Derwent, a job that may involve the subject crossing the river needs more resourcing than the distances alone suggest, and we will say so when quoting rather than discovering it on the day.
Talk to us about a Hobart matter
Every enquiry starts with a confidential conversation about what you actually need. Call 1300 792 283 or get in touch for a free consultation and a written quote before any work begins.
See also our Tasmania coverage and our national page.