The Stirling Journal

Field Notes from Private Investigators.

Plain-language guides on surveillance, evidence, family law, fraud, and the day-to-day reality of running investigations across Australia. Written by Gavin Willis and the Stirling team.

Recent Posts

Field Notes & Practical Guides.

Light falling through ribbed glass in a dim office
Surveillance · Pricing

How Much Does a Private Investigator Cost in Sydney? (2026 Prices)

Every price we charge in one place, with GST included: surveillance from $880, address searches $660 and bug sweeps from $880.

By Gavin Willis 11 min read
Open books and papers on a desk in low light
Privacy & Law

What a Licensed PI Can (and Can't) Do Under Australian Law

What can a private investigator do, and what can't they? It's the most common question we get on a first call, usually put as: can you actually do that legally?

By Gavin Willis 6 min read
A couple walking arm in arm across a city street, blurred with motion
Infidelity Investigation

How to Spot the Signs of an Affair: A Sydney Investigator’s Guide

Most of the people who call us aren’t looking for proof of an affair. They’re looking for proof that they aren’t imagining things.

By Gavin Willis 5 min read
Worker on a job site in heavy shadow, illustrating a surveillance pricing guide
Surveillance · Pricing

How Much Does Surveillance Cost in Sydney?

Real costs, real cases, no vague hourly-rate hand-waves. After 15 years of surveillance across the east coast, here's what professional investigation actually costs in Australia.

By Gavin Willis 7 min read
Boardroom table with microphones, illustrating signs your office might need a professional bug sweep
TSCM · Corporate

Signs Your Office Might Need a Professional Bug Sweep

Five practical signs your business might be under electronic surveillance. After 15 years of TSCM bug sweep work across Australia, here's what to look for.

By Gavin Willis 8 min read
Editorial photograph illustrating a private investigator's checklist for finding someone in Australia
Locate a Person

How to Find Someone in Australia: A Private Investigator's Checklist

What to gather first, what speeds things up, and what's off-limits. A practical guide for solicitors, debt-recovery teams, executors, and anyone trying to reconnect.

By Gavin Willis 9 min read
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