About AIMPAC

The Association for Investigators, Mercantile Professionals and Compliance (AIMPAC) Inc, supports professionals across Australia working in investigations, field services, collections, and mercantile roles.

We’re building a national community of licensed agents, investigators, collections professionals, and field operatives who benefit from access to exclusive tools, ongoing training, industry networking, and strong national representation.

AIMPAC was created to meet the needs of a modern and evolving industry. Our mission is to raise professional standards, promote ethical practice, and provide practical support to help our members succeed in a demanding and highly regulated environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

If a process server cannot locate you after several attempts, they may apply to the court for substituted service. This could allow them to serve you via email, post, or by delivering the documents to your last known address. Avoiding service won’t stop legal action, it can lead to a default judgment.

In Australia, a process server may enter private property to attempt service as long as they do not enter locked or restricted areas. They cannot force entry into a home, and must respect privacy laws. Laws vary by state, but excessive trespass may be unlawful.

Ignoring a process server doesn't stop legal proceedings. If you fail to respond or avoid service, the court may proceed without you and issue a default judgment. This can impact your credit rating, result in financial orders, or lead to enforcement actions.

Most professional process servers make between 3 to 5 attempts at service, at different times and days. If these attempts fail, they will document their efforts and may apply to the court for alternative service.

To become a process server in Australia, you must be over 18 and may need to obtain a licence depending on the state, such as a Commercial Agent licence in NSW or QLD. Joining a professional association like AIMPAC offers access to training, insurance, and work opportunities.

Yes. Hiring a licensed private investigator is legal in Australia. Investigators must hold a valid state-issued license and comply with privacy, surveillance, and evidence laws.

Licensed private investigators can conduct surveillance, locate missing persons, gather evidence for legal matters, and perform background checks, provided they stay within legal limits. They cannot impersonate others, hack devices, or access confidential government records.

Costs vary based on the complexity and duration of the investigation. Most private investigators charge between $80 to $150 per hour, with some offering fixed-price services for specific tasks like background checks or process serving.

No. Private investigators cannot legally access private phone records, bank accounts, or any protected financial information. Doing so would breach privacy laws. Investigators rely on legal, ethical, and open-source intelligence (OSINT) methods.

Yes. All private investigators in Australia must hold a current Investigators Licence issued by their respective state or territory’s licensing authority. Working without a licence is illegal and can lead to prosecution.

Yes, licensed investigators may conduct physical surveillance, including following a person, as long as it is done legally and discreetly. They cannot trespass, harass, or stalk individuals, surveillance must remain compliant with Australian laws.

To become a licensed private investigator in Australia, you typically need to complete a Certificate III in Investigative Services, pass a police check, and apply for a licence with your state authority. AIMPAC members gain access to compliance training and industry guidance.

Yes. Many investigators specialise in domestic investigations, including infidelity. They gather surveillance evidence, track activity patterns, and provide clients with detailed reports that can be used in legal proceedings like family court.

In most Australian states, it is illegal to record a private conversation unless you are a party to the conversation. Private investigators must be careful not to breach listening device laws, which differ by state and carry serious penalties.

Debt collectors can contact you to recover outstanding debts but must follow strict guidelines under the ACCC and ASIC Debt Collection Guidelines. They cannot harass, threaten, or mislead you, and must respect your privacy and contact preferences.

According to regulatory guidelines, debt collectors should not contact you more than 3 times per week or 10 times per month. All contact must be made at reasonable hours and never in a harassing or excessive manner.

Yes, but it must comply with state and territory surveillance laws. Private investigators must not trespass, use hidden audio recording devices without consent (in most states), or breach any privacy legislation.

CPD (Continuing Professional Development) helps investigators and field agents stay up to date with laws, best practices, and compliance obligations. Many licensing bodies and employers require CPD points each year to maintain professional standards.

AIMPAC members can earn CPD points by completing compliance courses, attending webinars, participating in approved workshops, and uploading external training activities through their member dashboard. AIMPAC offer free compliance courses to members, a current list of free courses can be found on our member benefits page.

Our Board & Committee

Brad Lyons

Brad Lyons – President

Brad Lyons is a respected consultant with deep experience in banking, finance, debt collection, and investigations. Driven by a passion for innovation, Brad has developed a suite of essential tools and courses that have set the standard in the OSINT industry.

His expertise in debt collection, investigations, and training has been instrumental in global cases, from missing persons to cyber investigations. Brad's work with government agencies worldwide has solidified his reputation as an industry expert.

Committed to delivering meaningful education, Brad ensures his students leave with practical skills and confidence. His passion for industry education and regulatory compliance will be an invaluable asset to AIMPAC and its members.

Nadia Rodcharoen

Nadia Rodcharoen – Treasurer

Nadia brings over a decade of experience in data-driven investigations, business strategy and financial operations to her role as Treasurer at AIMPAC. She began her career as a Research Analyst at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand, contributing to diplomatic agreements between Thailand and the European Union.

Since relocating to Australia, she has founded and directed several companies focused on skip tracing, credit management, and compliance , including Global Skip Tracing, National Data Collection, and ThinkEdu.

As Treasurer, she brings not only financial expertise but a deep commitment to ethical standards, transparency, and professional development. Her diverse background and strategic insight will support AIMPAC’s mission to raise standards, strengthen industry knowledge, and represent professionals across the country.

Dan Fox

Dan Fox – Committee Member

Dan Fox is the founder and Managing Director of UME Loans, a wholly Australian-owned finance company based on the Sunshine Coast. With a career in finance spanning over three decades, Dan began his journey at Westpac in 1988, working his way into management while completing a Bachelor's degree in Business (Banking and Finance).

He later held senior roles at Avco Finance (now Latitude Financial), including branch and area manager positions, before moving into finance broking and launching his own companies , Fox Finance Group in 2006 and UME Loans in 2009. UME Loans was created with a mission to give good people the second chance they deserve in finance.

Dan lives on the Sunshine Coast with his three boys and is passionate about community, fairness, and helping others achieve their goals. His deep expertise and ethical approach to business bring a valuable voice to AIMPAC’s leadership.

Amy Elliott

Amy Elliott – Committee Member

Amy Elliott is the Lead Investigator and Director of National Inquiry Agency (NIA), a licensed private investigation firm based in Sydney. Since entering the industry in 2014, Amy has built a respected career combining legal knowledge with field investigation expertise.

With a strong academic background in law and human resources, she supports legal professionals by conducting evidence-based investigations that help win cases. Her work includes locating debtors and scammers, tracing undisclosed assets in family law matters, and conducting deep background checks to support litigation.

Amy’s commitment to compliance, professionalism, and helping others succeed makes her a valuable addition to the AIMPAC leadership team. Her perspective strengthens our mission to support ethical, skilled, and future-ready investigators across the country.

Edwin Grainger

Edwin Grainger – Committee Member

Edwin Grainger brings 22 years of military experience, having conducted surveillance and operations across the globe. He also spent two years as a private contractor in the Middle East, securing high-value targets and supporting mission-critical objectives.

Now leading his own investigations company, VESTIGIUM, Edwin continues to deliver results with unmatched precision, drawing on decades of tactical and operational expertise.

His strong commitment to ethical practice, compliance, and the future of the industry makes him a valuable voice on the AIMPAC committee, helping to ensure our profession is both respected and regulated for generations to come.

Official Member Badges

As an active member of AIMPAC, you are entitled to display the following official badges and logos on your website, email signatures, and professional communications to reflect your membership and commitment to professional standards.

AIMPAC Logo

AIMPAC Official Logo

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AIMPAC Member Stamp

AIMPAC Member Seal (Black Ink)

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AIMPAC Member Stamp 2

AIMPAC Member Seal (Alternate Style)

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These graphics may only be used by current financial members of AIMPAC. Unauthorised use by non-members or former members is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action. Written consent is required for any use beyond those outlined above.