Source: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/fullhtml/inforce/act+41+2009+ch.6-pt.6.2-sec.55+0+N
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Document Index: 531449900

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'arts 1', 'art 3', 'arts 2', 'arts 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'arts 3', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 8', 'art 9', 'art 5', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 6', 'art 3', 'art 9', 'arts 9']

Coroners Act 2009 No 41
Current version for 29 June 2012 to date (accessed 20 May 2013 at 07:05).
Does not include amendments by:Boarding Houses Act 2012 No 74 (not commenced)
File last modified 29 October 2012.
5 Meaning of “relative”
6 Meaning of “reportable death”
6A Meaning of “senior next of kin”
Chapter 2 Coronial officers
7 State Coroner and Deputy State Coroners
8 Acting State Coroner
9 Delegation by State Coroner
10 Functions of State Coroner and Deputy State
11 Information to be given to State Coroner
12 Coroners
13 Assistant coroners
14 Appointed coroners have full coronial jurisdiction and
15 Functions of assistant coroners
16 Magistrates have coronial functions by virtue of
Chapter 3 Coronial jurisdiction
Part 3.1 General
17 Coronial jurisdiction generally
18 Jurisdiction concerning death requires connection with the
19 No jurisdiction concerning death or suspected death unless
occurring within last 100 years
20 Jurisdiction does not depend on making of
Part 3.2 Inquests concerning deaths
Division 1 General jurisdiction to hold inquests
21 Inquests concerning deaths or suspected deaths
Division 2 Exclusive jurisdiction of State Coroner and Deputy
22 Division confers exclusive jurisdiction
23 Jurisdiction concerning deaths in custody or as a result
of police operations
24 Jurisdiction concerning deaths of children and disabled
Division 3 When inquest may be dispensed with
25 Coroner may dispense with inquest unless inquest
26 Reasons to be given for dispensing with inquest
Division 4 When inquest is required to be held
27 General circumstances in which inquest required to be
28 Minister or State Coroner may direct that inquest be
29 Direction to hold inquest where coroner has dispensed with
Part 3.3 Inquiries concerning fires and explosions
30 Inquiries concerning fires and explosions
31 Coroner may dispense with inquiry unless inquiry
32 When inquiry is required to be held
Part 3.4 Other provisions concerning exercise of coronial
33 Coroners who are unavailable to exercise
34 Notice of particulars of death to be given to Registrar of
Chapter 4 Reporting of deaths
35 Obligation to report death or suspected death
36 State Coroner to inform Ombudsman about certain child or
disability deaths
37 State Coroner to report on deaths in custody
38 Medical practitioner must not certify cause of death if
death is reportable
Chapter 5 Coronial investigation scenes
40 Order establishing coronial investigation scene
41 Establishment of coronial investigation scene
42 Exercise of powers at coronial investigation
43 Coronial investigation scene powers
44 Obstruction or hindrance of person executing coronial
investigation scene order
45 Chapter does not limit other powers
Chapter 6 Coronial proceedings
46 Meaning of “coronial proceedings”
47 Hearings in coronial proceedings generally to be open to
48 Coronial proceedings may be conducted with jury only if
State Coroner directs
49 Case management directions by coroner
50 State Coroner may assume and give directions concerning
51 Directions concerning investigations
52 Practice notes and approval of forms
53 Power to obtain documents and things for purposes of
Part 6.2 Holding inquests and inquiries
54 Time and place of inquest or inquiry
55 Coroner may view deceased person’s remains or scene
of fire or explosion
56 Coroner’s right to possession of deceased
person’s remains
Part 6.3 Representation and evidentiary matters
57 Representation in coronial proceedings
58 Rules of procedure and evidence
59 Witnesses may be required to give evidence on oath or
60 Persons granted leave may apply for witness to be
61 Privilege in respect of self-incrimination
62 Refusal of witness to be examined
63 Documentary evidence
64 Fresh inquest or inquiry—admission of previous
65 Records of evidence
66 Subpoena for appearance or warrant for arrest of
67 Form of subpoena
68 Manner of service of subpoena
69 Arrest warrants for non-appearance in response to
70 Form of warrant
71 Arrest of witness under arrest warrant
72 Certain defects immaterial
Part 6.4 Disclosure of information
73 Meaning of “published”
74 Powers of coroner to clear court and prevent publication
of evidence or submissions
75 Powers of coroner in relation to reports or proceedings
concerning self-inflicted deaths
76 Publication of certain questions, warnings, objections,
77 Certain matters not prohibited or prevented
Part 6.5 Resolution of coronial proceedings
78 Procedure at inquest or inquiry involving indictable
79 Procedure following suspension of inquest or
80 Procedure at inquest if finding that person did not
81 Findings of coroner or jury verdict to be
82 Coroner or jury may make recommendations
83 When fresh inquests and inquiries may be
Chapter 7 Powers of Supreme Court
84 Orders for inquests or inquiries
85 Orders for fresh inquests or inquiries
86 Notification of application
86A Intervention by Minister in application
87 State Coroner to be served with orders
Chapter 8 Post mortem investigative procedures
Part 8.1 Investigation directions, exhumations and related
88 Dignity of deceased person to be respected
89 Coroner may give certain post mortem investigation
90 Retention and use of human tissue pursuant to
91 Warrant for exhumation of deceased’s
92 Coronial Medical Officers
93 Remuneration of medical practitioners and other
94 Protection for persons acting under coroner’s
Part 8.2 Objections to exercise of post mortem investigative
95 Meaning of “relevant post mortem investigative
96 Objections by senior next of kin to exercise of relevant
post mortem investigative functions
97 Applications to Supreme Court by senior next of
98 Senior next of kin may authorise another person to
99 Objection to exercise of relevant post mortem
investigative functions by other persons
Chapter 9 Disposal of human remains
100 Unauthorised disposal of human remains
101 Order authorising disposal of human remains
Chapter 9A Domestic Violence Death Review Team
Part 9A.1 Preliminary
101A Object of Chapter
101B Interpretation
101C Meaning of “domestic
Part 9A.2 Constitution and procedure of the Team
101D Establishment of Team
101E Members of Team
Part 9A.3 Functions of the Team
Division 1 General functions
101F Functions of Team
101G Matters to be considered in reviews
101H Referral of cases for review to Team
101I Appointment of expert advisers
Division 2 Reports by Team
101J Reports
101K Reporting to Parliament
Part 9A.4 Access to and confidentiality of
101L Duty of persons to assist Team
101M Confidentiality of information
Part 9A.5 Miscellaneous
101N Execution of documents
101O Protection from liability
101P Review of Chapter
102 Assistance to and from coroners in other
103 Contempt
105 Service or giving of documents
106 Nature of proceedings for offences
107 Offences by corporations
Schedule 1 Provisions relating to coronial
Schedule 3 Members and procedure of Domestic Violence Death
An Act to provide for the appointment and functions of coroners
and assistant coroners; to repeal the Coroners Act 1980; and for other
purposes.Chapter 1 Preliminary1 Name of ActThis Act is the Coroners Act
2009.2 Commencement(1) This Act commences on a day or days to be appointed by
proclamation, except as provided by subsections (2) and
(3).(2) Schedule 3.4 [1] commences:(a) if Schedule 1.3 [4] to the Children Legislation Amendment (Wood Inquiry
Recommendations) Act 2009 commences on or before the date of
assent to this Act—on the date of assent to this Act,
(b) if Schedule 1.3 [4] to the Children Legislation Amendment (Wood Inquiry
Recommendations) Act 2009 commences after the date of assent
to this Act—on the day on which Schedule 1.3 [4] to that Act
(3) Schedule 3.4 [2]–[4] commence:(a) if the Local Courts Act
1982 is repealed on or before the date of assent to this
Act—on the date of assent to this Act, or
(b) if the Local Courts Act
1982 is repealed after the date of assent to this Act—on
the day on which the Local Courts Act
1982 is repealed.
3 Objects of ActThe objects of this Act are as follows:(a) to provide for the appointment of coronial
(b) to provide that Magistrates are coroners by virtue of
(c) to enable coroners to investigate certain kinds of deaths or
suspected deaths in order to determine the identities of the deceased persons,
the times and dates of their deaths and the manner and cause of their
(d) to enable coroners to investigate fires and explosions that
destroy or damage property within the State in order to determine the causes
and origins of (and in some cases, the general circumstances concerning) such
(e) to enable coroners to make recommendations in relation to matters
in connection with an inquest or inquiry (including recommendations concerning
public health and safety and the investigation or review of matters by persons
or bodies),
(f) to provide for certain kinds of deaths or suspected deaths to be
reported and to prevent death certificates being issued in relation to certain
reportable deaths,
(g) to prohibit the disposal of human remains without appropriate
4 Definitions(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 4)(1) In this Act:adult means an
individual who is aged 18 years old or older.Australian
law has the same meaning as it has in the Evidence Act 1995.civil
penalty has the same meaning as it has in the Evidence Act 1995.Coronial
Medical Officer means a medical practitioner appointed under section
92.coronial
proceedings—see section 46.Domestic Violence
Death Review Team means the Domestic Violence Death Review Team
constituted under Chapter 9A.exercise a
includes a power, authority or duty.inquest means
an inquest concerning the death or suspected death of a person.inquiry means
an inquiry concerning a fire or explosion.place includes
any land, building, mine, ship, vehicle or aircraft or any other vessel or
vehicle.post mortem
investigation direction—see section 89.post mortem
investigation report—see section 89 (7).practice
note means a practice note issued under section 52.relative, in
relation to a person who has or is suspected to have died—see section
5.remains of a
deceased person means the body or the remains of the body (or any part of the
body or remains of the body) of the person.reportable
death—see section 6.senior
coroner—see section 22 (1).senior next of
kin—see section 6A.spouse
1987.stillbirth and stillborn child have the
same meanings as in the Births, Deaths and
Marriages Registration Act 1995.the State
means the State of New South Wales.tissue
includes an organ, or part, of a human body and a substance extracted from, or
from a part of, a human body (including bodily fluid).whole
organ of a deceased person means the whole or a substantial part of
a visibly recognisable structural unit of the person’s
body.(2) Notes included in this Act do not form part of this
contain bracketed notes in headings drawing attention (“cf”) to
Coroners Act 1980 as in
force immediately before its repeal by this Act.5 Meaning of “relative”(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 4 (1) and (5))(1) For the purposes of this Act, a relative, in relation to a person
who has or is suspected to have died, is an adult who is:(a) the spouse of that person, a parent of that person, a person who
stands in loco parentis to that person, a guardian of that person or a child
(b) if there is no relative, as defined in paragraph (a), of that
person—a brother or sister of that person.
(2) A reference in subsection (1) (a) to the child of a person
includes, if the person was in a de facto relationship, or a domestic
a reference to the following:(a) a child born as a result of sexual relations between the parties
Note. “De facto relationship” is defined in section 21C of
1987.(3) A reference in subsection (1) (a) to a parent includes a reference
to a party to a relationship referred to in subsection (2) of which the
deceased, or suspected deceased, was by virtue of subsection (2) a
child.6 Meaning of “reportable death”(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 12B (1) (a)–(g) and 13 (1) (a)–(c),
(e)–(h) and (2))(1) For the purposes of this Act, a person’s death is a reportable death if the
death occurs in any of the following circumstances:(a) the person died a violent or unnatural death,
(b) the person died a sudden death the cause of which is
(c) the person died under suspicious or unusual
(d) the person died in circumstances where the person had not been
attended by a medical practitioner during the period of 6 months immediately
before the person’s death,
(e) the person died in circumstances where the person’s death
was not the reasonably expected outcome of a health-related procedure carried
out in relation to the person,
(f) the person died while in or temporarily absent from a declared
mental health facility within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2007 and while the
person was a patient at the facility for the purpose of receiving care,
treatment or assistance under the Mental
Health Act 2007 or Mental
Health (Forensic Provisions) Act
(2) A reference to a medical practitioner in subsection (1) includes a
reference to a person authorised to practise as a medical practitioner under a
law of another State or a Territory.(3) In this section:health-related
procedure means a medical, surgical, dental or other health-related
procedure (including the administration of an anaesthetic, sedative or other
drug), but does not include any procedure of a kind prescribed by the
regulations as being an excluded procedure.6A Meaning of “senior next of kin”(1) For the purposes of this Act, the senior next of kin of a
deceased person is:(a) the deceased person’s spouse, or
(b) if the deceased person did not have a spouse or a spouse is not
available—any of the deceased person’s children who are adults,
(c) if the deceased person did not have a spouse or child or a spouse
or child is not available—either of the deceased person’s parents,
(d) if the deceased person did not have a spouse, child or living
parent or a spouse, child or parent is not available—any of the deceased
person’s brothers or sisters who are adults, or
(e) if the deceased person did not have a spouse, child, living
parent, brother or sister or a spouse, child, parent, brother or sister is not
available:(i) any person who is named as an executor in the deceased
person’s will, or
(ii) any person who was the deceased person’s legal personal
representative immediately before the deceased person’s
(2) A coroner may treat a person who was a deceased person’s
legal personal representative immediately before the deceased person’s
death as the deceased person’s senior next of kin for the purposes of
this Act if the coroner is satisfied that the person who is available to act
as senior next of kin is unable to do so.Chapter 2 Coronial officers7 State Coroner and Deputy State Coroners(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 4A (1)–(3), (5) and (7))(1) The Governor may appoint any qualified person to be the State
Coroner or a Deputy State Coroner.(2) A person is qualified to be appointed as the State Coroner or a
Deputy State Coroner only if the person is a
Magistrate.(3) An appointment is to be made by the commission of the
person’s appointment as a Magistrate or by a subsequent commission under
the public seal of the State.(4) More than one person may hold the office of Deputy State Coroner
at any one time.(5) The State Coroner or a Deputy State Coroner holds office for such
period (not exceeding 5 years) as may be specified in the commission that
appointed the State Coroner or Deputy State Coroner to the office, but is
eligible (if otherwise qualified) for
re-appointment.(6) The State Coroner has, while holding office as such, the same
status as a Deputy Chief Magistrate.(7) The State Coroner and a Deputy State Coroner are coroners for the
purposes of this Act.(8) Parts 1 and 3 of Schedule 1 contain general provisions dealing
with the vacation of the office of State Coroner or a Deputy State Coroner,
remuneration and the effect of an appointment to such offices on other offices
held by the person appointed.8 Acting State Coroner(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 4F (1A) and (2))(1) The Minister may appoint a Deputy State Coroner to be Acting State
Coroner during the absence from duty of the State
Coroner.(2) The Minister may make any appointment for a particular absence or
for any absence that occurs from time to time.(3) An Acting State Coroner has the functions of the State Coroner
and, for the purposes of this or any other Act or law, is taken to be the
State Coroner.(4) In this section, absence from duty includes
a vacancy in the office of State Coroner.9 Delegation by State Coroner(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 4E)(1) The State Coroner may delegate to a Deputy State Coroner or to
another coroner the exercise of any of the State Coroner’s functions
under this Act, except as provided by subsection (2).Note. Section 49 of the Interpretation
Act 1987 contains general provisions relating to the
delegation of functions.(2) The State Coroner may not:(a) delegate the power of delegation conferred by subsection (1),
(b) delegate to a coroner who is not a Deputy State Coroner the
exercise of any jurisdiction conferred or imposed on the State Coroner by
Division 2 of Part 3.2.
Coroners(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 4D and 4F (1))(1) The functions of the State Coroner are:(a) to oversee and co-ordinate coronial services in the State,
(b) to ensure that all deaths, suspected deaths, fires and explosions
concerning which a coroner has jurisdiction to hold an inquest or inquiry are
properly investigated, and
(c) to ensure that an inquest or inquiry is held whenever it is
required by this Act to be held or it is, in the State Coroner’s
opinion, desirable that it be held, and
(d) to issue guidelines to coroners to assist them in the exercise or
performance of their functions, and
(e) to exercise such other functions as are conferred or imposed on
the State Coroner by or under this or any other
(2) The State Coroner is, in the exercise of a function under this
section, subject to the control and direction of the Chief
Magistrate.(3) The functions of a Deputy State Coroner are:(a) to exercise any functions delegated to the Deputy State Coroner by
the State Coroner, and
(b) to exercise such other functions as are conferred or imposed on a
Deputy State Coroner by or under this or any other
(4) The State Coroner and each Deputy State Coroner is to support and
assist the Domestic Violence Death Review Team in the exercise of its
functions under Chapter 9A.Note. The State Coroner or a Deputy State Coroner may be appointed as
Convenor of the Team under section 101E.11 Information to be given to State Coroner(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 4G (1))The State Coroner may issue general directions to coroners
requiring them to give to the State Coroner information they receive
concerning deaths, suspected deaths, fires or
explosions.12 Coroners(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 5 and 6)(1) The Governor may, by instrument in writing on the recommendation
of the Minister, appoint any qualified person to be a
coroner.(2) A person is qualified to be appointed as a coroner only if the
person is an Australian lawyer.(3) An instrument of appointment may provide that the person appointed
as a coroner is appointed for such period (if any) as may be specified in the
instrument.(4) A person who is aged 72 years old or older may not be appointed as
a coroner unless:(a) the Minister recommends to the Governor that the person’s
appointment is appropriate, and
(b) the appointment is made for such term (not exceeding 3 years) as
is specified in the person’s instrument of
(5) A coroner appointed as provided by subsection (4) is eligible for
re-appointment from time to time as provided by that
subsection.(6) The Governor may, for any cause that seems to the Governor
sufficient, remove any coroner appointed under this section from
office.(7) Parts 2 and 3 of Schedule 1 contain general provisions dealing
with the vacation of the office of a coroner appointed under this section,
remuneration and the effect of an appointment to such an office on other
offices held by the person appointed.13 Assistant coroners(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 5A (1) and (2))(1) The Minister may, by instrument in writing, appoint any member of
staff of the Attorney General’s Department to be an assistant
coroner.(2) An instrument of appointment may provide that the person appointed
as an assistant coroner is appointed for such period (if any) as may be
specified in the instrument.(3) The Minister may, for any cause that seems to the Minister
sufficient, remove any assistant coroner from
office.(4) Parts 2 and 3 of Schedule 1 contain general provisions dealing
with the vacation of the office of an assistant coroner, remuneration and the
effect of an appointment to such an office on other offices held by the person
appointed.14 Appointed coroners have full coronial jurisdiction and
functions(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 8)A coroner appointed under this Act:(a) has all the jurisdiction and functions conferred or imposed on
coroners by or under this Act, but
(b) does not have any of the jurisdiction or functions of the State
Coroner or a Deputy State Coroner unless appointed to such an office under
15 Functions of assistant coroners(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 9)(1) An assistant coroner has the following functions:(a) the function of providing administrative assistance to a coroner
under the control and direction of the coroner,
(b) such of the following functions as may be delegated in writing to
the assistant coroner by the State Coroner:(i) the function of issuing orders for the disposal of the remains of
(ii) the function of issuing post mortem investigation
(iii) the function of dispensing with the holding of inquests if death
results from natural causes,
(iv) the function of dispensing with the holding of inquiries if a fire
or explosion does not occur in suspicious circumstances,
(v) the function of dispensing with the holding of inquiries if a fire
involved only a motor vehicle,
(c) such other functions as may be conferred or imposed on an
assistant coroner by or under this or any other
Note. Section 49 of the Interpretation
delegation of functions.(2) An assistant coroner cannot hold an inquest or inquiry and the
function of holding an inquest or inquiry cannot be delegated to an assistant
coroner by the State Coroner.(3) This section does not authorise an assistant coroner to exercise
any function conferred or imposed on a coroner, except as specifically
provided for by delegation under this section or by this or any other
Act.16 Magistrates have coronial functions by virtue of
office(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 6A (4) and 10)(1) A Magistrate who has not been appointed to any of the offices of
State Coroner, Deputy State Coroner or coroner under this Act:(a) has, by virtue of his or her office as a Magistrate, all of the
jurisdiction and functions that are conferred or imposed on coroners by or
(b) is taken to be a coroner,
but does not have any of the jurisdiction or functions of the State
Coroner or a Deputy State Coroner.(2) A Magistrate who is taken to be a coroner by reason of the
operation of subsection (1) ceases to have the jurisdiction and functions of a
coroner, and ceases to be taken to be a coroner, on ceasing to be a
Magistrate.(3) Despite anything to the contrary in this Act, the Chief Magistrate
may (but need not) comply with any direction given by the State Coroner under
this Act in relation to the exercise by the Chief Magistrate of any function
conferred or imposed on the Chief Magistrate by operation of subsection
(1).Chapter 3 Coronial jurisdictionPart 3.1 General17 Coronial jurisdiction generally(1) In this Chapter:(a) Part 3.2 confers jurisdiction on coroners to hold inquests
concerning certain deaths and suspected deaths of persons,
(b) Part 3.3 confers jurisdiction on coroners to hold inquiries
concerning certain fires and explosions that do not involve deaths or
suspected deaths, and
(c) Part 3.4 deals with miscellaneous matters relating to the exercise
of any such jurisdiction.
(2) Subject to this Act, the jurisdiction conferred by this Chapter
extends to deaths, suspected deaths, fires and explosions occurring before the
commencement of this section.Note. Section 19 provides that there is no jurisdiction to hold an
inquest concerning a death or suspected death if it occurred more than 100
years ago. Also, Part 2 of Schedule 2 makes savings and transitional
arrangements in connection with inquests and inquiries concerning deaths,
suspected deaths, fires and explosions occurring before the commencement of
this Act.18 Jurisdiction concerning death requires connection with the
State(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 13C)(1) A coroner does not have jurisdiction to hold an inquest concerning
a death or suspected death unless it appears to the coroner that:(a) the remains of the person are in the State, or
(b) the death or suspected death or the cause of the death or of the
suspected death occurred in the State, or
(c) the death or suspected death occurred outside the State but the
person had a sufficient connection with the State, as referred to in
(2) A person had a sufficient connection with the State if the
person:(a) was ordinarily resident in the State when the death or suspected
death occurred, or
(b) was, when the death or suspected death occurred, in the course of
a journey to or from some place in the State, or
(c) was last at some place in the State before the circumstances of
his or her death or suspected death arose.
occurring within last 100 years(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 13B)A coroner does not have jurisdiction to hold an inquest concerning
a death or suspected death unless it appears to the coroner that (or that
there is reasonable cause to suspect that) the death or suspected death
occurred within the last 100 years.20 Jurisdiction does not depend on making of
reportAny jurisdiction of a coroner to hold an inquest concerning a
death or suspected death, or an inquiry concerning a fire or explosion, arises
even if the death, suspected death, fire or explosion has not been reported to
a coroner or other person in accordance with a requirement to do so under this
Act.Part 3.2 Inquests concerning deathsDivision 1 General jurisdiction to hold inquests21 Inquests concerning deaths or suspected deaths(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 13)(1) A coroner has jurisdiction to hold an inquest concerning the death
or suspected death of a person if it appears to the coroner that:(a) the person’s death is (or there is reasonable cause to
suspect that the person’s death is) a reportable death,
(b) a medical practitioner has not given (or there is reasonable cause
to suspect that a medical practitioner has not given) a certificate as to the
(2) The reference to a medical practitioner in subsection (1) (b)
includes, if it appears to the coroner that the death or suspected death
occurred at a place outside the State, a reference to a person entitled under
the law in force in that place to issue a certificate as to the cause of
death.Division 2 Exclusive jurisdiction of State Coroner and Deputy
State Coroners22 Division confers exclusive jurisdiction(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 13A (2) and 13AB (2))(1) The jurisdiction conferred by this Division is conferred
exclusively on any coroner who holds office as the State Coroner or a Deputy
State Coroner (a senior
coroner).(2) If jurisdiction to hold an inquest concerning a death or suspected
death arises both under this Division and Division 1, an inquest concerning
the death or suspected death may be held only by a senior
coroner.23 Jurisdiction concerning deaths in custody or as a result
of police operations(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 13A (1))A senior coroner has jurisdiction to hold an inquest concerning
the death or suspected death of a person if it appears to the coroner that the
person has died (or that there is reasonable cause to suspect that the person
has died):(a) while in the custody of a police officer or in other lawful
custody, or
(b) while escaping, or attempting to escape, from the custody of a
police officer or other lawful custody, or
(c) as a result of, or in the course of, police operations,
(d) while in, or temporarily absent from, any of the following
institutions or places of which the person was an inmate:(i) a detention centre within the meaning of the Children (Detention Centres) Act
(ii) a correctional centre within the meaning of the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act
(iii) a lock-up, or
(e) while proceeding to an institution or place referred to in
paragraph (d), for the purpose of being admitted as an inmate of the
institution or place and while in the company of a police officer or other
official charged with the person’s care or
persons(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 13AB (1), (3) and (4))(1) A senior coroner has jurisdiction to hold an inquest concerning
person was (or that there is reasonable cause to suspect that the person
was):(a) a child in care, or
(b) a child in respect of whom a report was made under Part 2 of
Chapter 3 of the Children and Young Persons
(Care and Protection) Act 1998 within the period of 3 years
immediately preceding the child’s death, or
(c) a child who is a sibling of a child in respect of whom a report
was made under Part 2 of Chapter 3 of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection)
Act 1998 within the period of 3 years immediately preceding
the child’s death, or
(d) a child whose death is or may be due to abuse or neglect or that
occurs in suspicious circumstances, or
(e) a person (whether or not a child) who, at the time of the
person’s death, was living in, or was temporarily absent from,
residential care provided by a service provider and authorised or funded under
1993 or a residential centre for disabled persons,
(f) a person (other than a child in care) who is in a target group
within the meaning of the Disability Services
Act 1993 who receives from a service provider assistance (of a
kind prescribed by the regulations) to enable the person to live independently
(2) If jurisdiction to hold an inquest concerning the death of a child
arises under this section or section 23, the senior coroner must use his or
her best endeavours to notify the following persons of any right that they
have to legal representation at the inquest:(a) the persons having parental responsibility for the
(b) the child’s parents (if they do not have that
(c) such family members as would be reasonably expected to have an
immediate interest in the outcome of the inquest.
(3) In this section:child means a person
who is less than 18 years old.child
in care means a child or young person who is less than 18 years
old:(a) who is under the parental responsibility of the Minister
administering the Children and Young
Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, or
(b) for whom the Director-General of the Department of Community
Services or a designated agency has the care responsibility under section 49
Protection) Act 1998, or
(c) who is a protected person within the meaning of section 135A of
(d) who is the subject of an out-of-home care arrangement under the
(e) who is the subject of a sole parental responsibility order under
section 149 of the Children and Young
(f) who is otherwise in the care of a service
responsibility, in relation to a child or young person, means all
the duties, powers, responsibilities and authority that, by law, parents have
in relation to their children.residential
centre for disabled persons means:(a) premises declared to be a residential centre for handicapped
persons under section 3A of the Youth and
Community Services Act 1973, or
(b) premises licensed under Part 3 of the Youth and Community Services Act
but does not include premises exempted under that Act from the
requirement to be licensed.service
provider has the same meaning as it has in the Community Services (Complaints, Reviews and
Monitoring) Act 1993.Division 3 When inquest may be dispensed with25 Coroner may dispense with inquest unless inquest
required(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 14)(1) A coroner who has jurisdiction to hold an inquest concerning the
death or suspected death of a person may dispense with the inquest unless an
inquest is required to be held under this Part.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), a coroner who has jurisdiction to
hold an inquest concerning the death of a person may dispense with the inquest
if the coroner is satisfied (after obtaining relevant advice from police
officers and medical practitioners and consulting with a senior next of kin of
the deceased person and any other person that the coroner considers
appropriate) that:(a) the deceased person died of natural causes (whether or not the
precise cause of death is known), and
(b) a senior next of kin of the deceased person has indicated to the
coroner that it is not the wish of the deceased person’s family that a
post mortem examination be conducted on the deceased to determine the precise
cause of the deceased’s death.
(3) A coroner who has previously dispensed with the holding of an
inquest concerning a death or suspected death may subsequently hold an inquest
concerning the death or suspected death if the coroner is of the opinion that
the discovery of new evidence or facts makes it necessary or desirable in the
interests of justice to hold the inquest.26 Reasons to be given for dispensing with inquest(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 14D)(1) A coroner who dispenses with an inquest must, on request by any of
the following persons, give the person the coroner’s written reasons for
dispensing with an inquest:(a) the State Coroner,
(c) any person who, in the opinion of the coroner, has a sufficient
interest of any kind in the circumstances of the death or suspected
(2) A coroner who refuses a request to give reasons because the person
making it does not, in the opinion of the coroner, have a sufficient interest
of any kind in the circumstances of the death or suspected death, is required,
at the written request of the person, to give the person the reasons for the
refusal.Division 4 When inquest is required to be held27 General circumstances in which inquest required to be
held(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 14B)(1) An inquest concerning the death or suspected death of a person is
required to be held in any of the following circumstances:(a) if it appears to the coroner concerned that the person died or
might have died as a result of homicide (not including
suicide),
(b) if the jurisdiction to hold the inquest arises under section
(c) if it appears to the coroner concerned that:(i) it has not been sufficiently disclosed whether the person has
(ii) the person’s identity and the date and place of the
person’s death have not been sufficiently
(d) if it appears to the coroner concerned that the manner and cause
of the person’s death have not been sufficiently disclosed (unless the
case is one in which an inquest has been suspended or continued under section
(2) An inquest is not required to be held under this section if it
appears to the coroner concerned that an inquest or other official inquiry
concerning the death or suspected death has been held, or is to be held,
outside the State.28 Minister or State Coroner may direct that inquest be
1980, s 14A)An inquest is required to be held if the Minister or the State
Coroner directs that it be held.29 Direction to hold inquest where coroner has dispensed with
inquest(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 14E)(1) If a coroner has dispensed with an inquest, the State Coroner may
(after considering the coroner’s reasons for dispensing with the inquest
and any other matters that the State Coroner considers relevant) direct a
coroner to hold the inquest if the State Coroner is of the opinion that an
inquest should nonetheless be held.(2) An inquest is to be held in accordance with the
direction.(3) The State Coroner is not to give such a direction to a coroner who
is a Magistrate (other than the coroner who dispensed with the holding of the
inquest) without the Chief Magistrate’s
consent.(4) The State Coroner may hold the inquest instead of directing
another coroner to hold the inquest.Part 3.3 Inquiries concerning fires and explosions30 Inquiries concerning fires and explosions(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 15 (1))(1) A coroner has jurisdiction to hold an inquiry concerning the cause
and origin of a fire or explosion if the coroner is satisfied that the fire or
explosion has destroyed or damaged any property within the
State.(2) A coroner has jurisdiction to hold a general inquiry concerning a
fire or explosion that has destroyed or damaged any property within the State,
but only if the State Coroner gives a direction under this Part that such a
general inquiry be held.(3) The jurisdiction of a coroner to hold a general inquiry concerning
a fire or explosion extends to the examination of all of the circumstances
concerning the fire or explosion (including, but not limited to, an
examination of its cause and origin).31 Coroner may dispense with inquiry unless inquiry
1980, ss 15 (2) and 15A (1))(1) A coroner who has jurisdiction to hold an inquiry concerning a
fire or explosion may, unless an inquiry is required to be held under this
Part, dispense with the inquiry if the coroner is of the opinion that:(a) the cause and origin of the fire or explosion are sufficiently
disclosed, or
(b) an inquiry into the cause and origin of the fire or explosion is
(2) A coroner who dispenses with the holding of an inquiry must, if
requested to do so by the State Coroner, give the State Coroner written
reasons for doing so.(3) A coroner who has previously dispensed with the holding of an
inquiry concerning a fire or explosion may subsequently hold an inquiry
concerning the fire or explosion if the coroner is of the opinion that the
discovery of new evidence or facts makes it necessary or desirable in the
interests of justice to hold the inquiry.32 When inquiry is required to be held(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 15 (3), 15A (2)–(5) and 15B)(1) Inquiries limited to investigating causes and
origins A coroner is required to hold an inquiry concerning the cause and
origin of a fire or explosion that has destroyed or damaged property within
the State if:(a) the coroner has been requested to hold the inquiry by an
authorised public official, or
(b) the State Coroner gives a direction under this section that the
coroner hold the inquiry.
(2) The State Coroner may direct that a coroner hold an inquiry
concerning the cause and origin of a fire or explosion that has destroyed or
damaged property within the State if:(a) in the case where a coroner has dispensed with the holding of an
inquiry—the State Coroner, after considering the coroner’s reasons
for dispensing with the inquiry and any other matters that the State Coroner
considers relevant, is of the opinion that an inquiry should nonetheless be
(b) in any other case—the State Coroner is of the opinion that
the inquiry should be held.
(3) General inquiries A coroner is required to hold a general inquiry concerning a fire
or explosion that has destroyed or damaged property within the State if the
State Coroner gives a direction under this section for such a general inquiry
to be held.(4) The State Coroner must direct that a coroner hold a general
inquiry concerning a fire or explosion that has destroyed or damaged property
within the State if:(a) an authorised public official has made a request to the State
Coroner for a general inquiry to be held, or
(b) the State Coroner is of the opinion that a general inquiry should
(5) General provisions relating to directions An inquiry is to be held in accordance with the
direction.(6) The State Coroner is not to give such a direction to a coroner who
is a Magistrate (other than a coroner who dispensed with the holding of the
inquiry) without the Chief Magistrate’s
consent.(7) The State Coroner may hold the inquiry instead of directing
another coroner to hold the inquiry.(8) Definition In this section:authorised public
official, in relation to an inquiry concerning a fire or explosion,
means any of the following persons:(a) if the fire or explosion occurred in a fire district within the
meaning of the Fire Brigades Act
1989—the Commissioner of New South Wales Fire
(b) if the fire is a bush fire within the meaning of the Rural Fires Act 1997—the
Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service,
jurisdiction33 Coroners who are unavailable to exercise
jurisdiction(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 16)(1) If a coroner is unavailable to hold an inquest or inquiry
concerning a death, suspected death, fire or explosion of which the coroner
has been informed, the coroner may, with the consent of another coroner (and
subject to any direction given by the State Coroner under this section), refer
the matter to the other coroner to be dealt with.(2) If the State Coroner is satisfied that a coroner is unavailable to
hold an inquest or inquiry concerning a death, suspected death, fire or
explosion of which the coroner has been informed, the State Coroner may direct
that another coroner hold the inquest or inquiry.(3) The State Coroner is not to give such a direction to a coroner who
is a Magistrate without the Chief Magistrate’s
consent.(4) For the purposes of this section, a coroner is unavailable to hold an
inquest or inquiry concerning a matter if he or she is unable to act as a
coroner in relation to the matter because of any of the following
reasons:(a) illness,
(b) absence from the place where the coroner ordinarily acts as
(c) the coroner is unable or unwilling to deal with the matter for any
other non-jurisdictional reason.
(5) This section does not apply in relation to a coroner who, under
this Act, dispenses with the holding of an inquest or
inquiry.34 Notice of particulars of death to be given to Registrar of
Births, Deaths and Marriages(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 16A)(1) A coroner must, for the purpose of enabling registration of the
death of a person to be effected or completed, give written notice to the
Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages of such particulars as are known to
the coroner relating to the death of the person if the coroner:(a) holds an inquest concerning the death, or
(b) dispenses with the holding of an inquest concerning the death,
(c) suspends an inquest concerning the
(2) If a coroner is satisfied (whether before or during an inquest
concerning the death of a person) that there will be a delay in concluding the
inquest and that the coroner is able, on the basis of such evidence as the
coroner considers sufficient, to determine the particulars relating to the
death of the person, the coroner may, for the purpose of enabling registration
of the death of the person to be effected or completed, make that
determination and give written notice of the determination to the Registrar of
Births, Deaths and Marriages.(3) A notice under this section must not include any matter that
incriminates any person.(4) For the purposes of this section, particulars
relating to the death of a person are:(a) the identity of the deceased person, and
(b) the date, place and cause of death of the deceased
Chapter 4 Reporting of deaths35 Obligation to report death or suspected death(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 12A (1)–(2A) and (3))(1) This section applies to any person who has reasonable grounds to
believe that a death or suspected death of another person:(a) is a reportable death or occurred in circumstances that would be
examinable under Division 2 of Part 3.2, and
(b) has not been reported in accordance with subsection
(2) A person to whom this section applies must report the death or
suspected death concerned to a police officer, a coroner or an assistant
coroner as soon as possible after becoming aware of the grounds referred to in
subsection (1).Maximum penalty (subsection (2)): 10 penalty
units.(3) A police officer to whom a death or suspected death is reported
under this section is required to report the death or suspected death to a
coroner or assistant coroner as soon as possible after the report is
made.(4) An assistant coroner to whom a death or suspected death is
reported under this section is required to report the death or suspected death
to a coroner as soon as possible after the report is
made.(5) A coroner to whom a death or suspected death is reported under
this section is required to inform the State Coroner of the report as soon as
practicable after the report is made.36 State Coroner to inform Ombudsman about certain child or
disability deaths(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 12A (3A) and (3B))(1) The State Coroner is to provide the Ombudsman, in accordance with
subsection (2), with all relevant material held by the State Coroner relating
to:(a) any death or suspected death of a person in any of the
circumstances referred to in section 24 (1), or
(b) any death of a person who is less than 18 years old in the
circumstances referred to in section 23 (d).
(2) The relevant material referred to in subsection (1) is to be
provided as soon as practicable after:(a) a decision is made not to hold an inquest concerning the death or
suspected death, or
(b) if an inquest is held—the conclusion or suspension of the
(3) The requirements of this section are in addition to any
requirements of Part 6 of the Community
1993.37 State Coroner to report on deaths in custody(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 12A (4)–(8))(1) The State Coroner is to make a written report to the Minister
containing a summary of the details of the deaths or suspected deaths
that:(a) the State Coroner has been informed about under section 35 or 38,
(b) appear to the State Coroner to involve the death or suspected
death of a person in circumstances referred to in section
(2) A report under subsection (1) is to be made for the period of 12
months commencing on 1 January of each year. A report is to be made within 2
months after the end of the period to which it
relates.(3) The Minister is to cause a copy of the report made to the Minister
under subsection (1) to be tabled in each House of Parliament within 21 days
after the report is made.(4) If a House of Parliament is not sitting when the Minister seeks to
cause a copy of the report to be tabled before it, the Minister is to cause a
copy of the report to be presented to the Clerk of that House of
Parliament.(5) A copy of the report presented to the Clerk of a House of
Parliament under this section:(a) is, on presentation and for all purposes, taken to have been laid
(c) if so printed, is taken to be a document published by or under the
authority of the House, and
on the first sitting day of the House after receipt of the copy of the
report by the Clerk.
death is reportable(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 12A (2), (2A) and (3) and 12B)(1) A medical practitioner must not give a certificate as to the cause
of death of a person for the purposes of notification of the cause of death
Registration Act 1995 if the medical practitioner is of the
opinion that:(a) the person’s death is a reportable death,
(b) the person died in circumstances that would be examinable under
(2) Despite subsection (1), a medical practitioner may give a
certificate as to the cause of death of a person if the medical practitioner
is of the opinion that the person:(a) was aged 72 years old or older, and
(b) died in circumstances other than in any of the circumstances
referred to in paragraphs (b)–(f) of the definition of reportable death in
section 6 (1) or in section 23 or 24 (1), and
(c) died after sustaining an injury from an accident, being an
accident that was attributable to the age of that person, contributed
substantially to the death of the person and was not caused by an act or
omission by any other person.
(3) A medical practitioner may not certify the cause of death of a
person in accordance with subsection (2) if, before the certificate is given,
a relative of the deceased person indicates to the medical practitioner that
he or she objects to the giving of the certificate.(4) If a medical practitioner certifies the cause of death of a person
in accordance with subsection (2), the certificate must state that it is given
in pursuance of that subsection.(5) A medical practitioner who is prevented from certifying the cause
of death of a person because of this section must, as soon as practicable
after the death, report that death to a police
officer.(6) A police officer to whom a death is reported under this section is
required to report the death to a coroner or assistant coroner as soon as
possible after the report is made.(7) An assistant coroner to whom a death is reported under this
section is required to report the death to a coroner as soon as possible after
the report is made.(8) A coroner to whom a death is reported under this section is
required to inform the State Coroner of the report as soon as practicable
after the report is made.Chapter 5 Coronial investigation scenes39 Definitions(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 23C)In this Chapter:coronial
investigation scene means a coronial investigation scene established
under section 41.coronial investigation
scene order—see section 40.coronial investigation
scene power means a function specified in section 43 (1) or
(2).40 Order establishing coronial investigation scene(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 23D)(1) If a coroner considers that an investigation should, for the
purposes of an inquest or inquiry, be carried out at a particular place, a
coroner may issue an order (a coronial
investigation scene order) in writing or by telephone to a police
officer or other person to:(a) establish a coronial investigation scene at a specified place,
(b) exercise coronial investigation scene powers in accordance with
(c) enter and stay at the place for those
(2) A coronial investigation scene order may be made:(a) before the commencement of an inquest or inquiry,
(b) after the commencement but before the completion of an inquest or
(3) This Chapter applies to a place of any kind, whether or not a
public place.(4) A person acting under the authority of a coronial investigation
scene order may, for the purposes of exercising coronial investigation scene
powers, obtain the assistance of any other person.(5) A coronial investigation scene order authorises a police officer
or other person specified in the order (or a person assisting the person
acting under the authority of the order) to enter any place referred to in
that order.(6) A copy of a telephone coronial investigation scene order is to be
provided to the police officer or other person to whom it is
issued.(7) In this section:telephone
means radio, facsimile or any other communication
device.41 Establishment of coronial investigation scene(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 23E)(1) A police officer or other person may establish a coronial
investigation scene at a place pursuant to a coronial investigation scene
order in any way that is reasonably appropriate in the
circumstances.(2) A police officer or other person who establishes a coronial
investigation scene must, if reasonably appropriate in the circumstances, give
the public notice that the place is a coronial investigation
scene.42 Exercise of powers at coronial investigation
scene(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 23F)(1) A police officer or other person may exercise any of the coronial
investigation scene powers if:(a) a coronial investigation scene has been established,
(b) the police officer or other person exercising the power suspects
on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to do so to preserve evidence
relevant to an investigation by the coroner.
(2) A police officer or other person may exercise the coronial
investigation scene powers for the period of time specified in the coronial
investigation scene order concerned.43 Coronial investigation scene powers(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 23G)(1) A police officer or other person may, in accordance with this
Chapter and a coronial investigation scene order, exercise the following
functions at, or in relation to, a coronial investigation scene:(a) direct a person to leave the coronial investigation scene or
remove a vehicle, vessel or aircraft from the coronial investigation
(b) remove from the coronial investigation scene a person who fails to
comply with a direction to leave the coronial investigation scene or a
vehicle, vessel or aircraft a person fails to remove from the coronial
investigation scene,
(c) direct a person not to enter the coronial investigation
(d) prevent a person from entering a coronial investigation
(e) prevent a person from removing evidence from, or otherwise
interfering with, the coronial investigation scene or anything in it and, for
that purpose, detain and search the person,
(f) remove or cause to be removed an obstruction from the coronial
(g) perform any necessary investigation, including, for example,
search the coronial investigation scene and inspect anything in it to obtain
evidence in relation to the inquest or inquiry,
(h) for the purpose of performing any necessary investigation, conduct
any examination or process,
(i) open anything at the coronial investigation scene that is
(j) take electricity, gas or any other utility, for use at the
coronial investigation scene,
(k) direct the occupier of the place or a person apparently involved
in the management or control of the place to maintain a continuous supply of
electricity at the place,
(l) photograph or otherwise record the coronial investigation scene
and anything in it,
(m) seize and detain all or part of a thing that might provide
evidence in relation to the inquest or inquiry or provide evidence of the
(n) dig up anything at the coronial investigation
(o) remove wall or ceiling linings or floors of a building, or panels
of a vehicle,
(p) take possession of the remains of a deceased person on behalf of
the coroner, including body tissue, clothing and items apparently in the
possession of the deceased person,
(q) remove or cause the removal of the remains of a deceased person to
any location nominated by the coroner,
(r) any other function reasonably necessary or incidental to a
function conferred by this section.
(2) The power conferred by this section to seize and detain a thing
includes:(a) a power to remove the thing from the coronial investigation scene
when it is found, and
(b) a power to guard the thing in or on the coronial investigation
(3) Nothing in this Chapter prevents a police officer or other person
who is lawfully at a place from exercising a coronial investigation scene
power or doing any other thing, if the occupier of the place
consents.44 Obstruction or hindrance of person executing coronial
investigation scene order(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 23H)A person must not, on production to the person of a coronial
investigation scene order, obstruct or hinder the person to whom the order was
issued in the exercise of his or her powers under this Chapter arising by
virtue of the order.Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years, or
both.45 Chapter does not limit other powers(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 23I)Nothing in this Chapter limits any power that a police officer or
other person has apart from this Chapter to enter a place or to do any other
thing when at the place.Chapter 6 Coronial proceedingsPart 6.1 General46 Meaning of “coronial proceedings”(1) In this Act, coronial
proceedings are any proceedings conducted by a coroner or assistant
coroner for the purposes of this Act concerning the investigation of a death,
suspected death, fire or explosion.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), coronial proceedings include the
following:(a) the holding of an inquest or inquiry,
(b) proceedings to determine whether or not to hold, or to continue to
hold, an inquest or inquiry,
(c) proceedings of an interlocutory or similar nature (including
proceedings to deal with evidential matters or case management
public(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 30)(1) Any hearing conducted in coronial proceedings is to be open to the
public, except as provided by this section and section 74.Note. See also section 74 for situations in which a coroner may order
all or any persons to go and remain outside the room or building in which
coronial proceedings are being heard.(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents a coroner hearing coronial
proceedings in a room or building that is not open to the public (such as a
room or building in a correctional centre, hospital, private residence or
other place not normally open to the public) if the coroner is of the opinion
that special circumstances make it necessary or desirable to do
so.(3) In such a case, the coroner is to note on the record of the
proceedings the special circumstances that in the coroner’s opinion make
such a course of action necessary or desirable.48 Coronial proceedings may be conducted with jury only if
State Coroner directs(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 18 and 28)(1) Coronial proceedings are to be conducted without a jury, except as
provided by subsection (2).(2) An inquest or inquiry is to be held before a coroner with a jury
if the State Coroner directs it.(3) The State Coroner may direct that an inquest or inquiry be held
before a coroner with a jury only if:(a) the State Coroner is to act as the coroner for the inquest or
(b) the State Coroner considers that there are sufficient reasons to
justify the inquest or inquiry being held with a
(4) An inquest or inquiry that would, but for this subsection, be held
before a coroner and a jury at a place that is not a place for which a jury
district is constituted under the Jury Act
1977 is to be held at the nearest place for which there is a
jury district constituted.(5) The State Coroner must notify the Sheriff of the need for a jury
for an inquest or inquiry as soon as practicable after the State Coroner gives
a direction under this section that the inquest or inquiry is to be held
before a jury.49 Case management directions by coroner(1) Subject to any relevant practice notes, a coroner in coronial
proceedings may give such directions as the coroner thinks fit for the speedy
determination of the real issues with which the proceedings are
concerned.(2) In particular, the coroner may do any one or more of the
following:(a) direct relevant persons in the proceedings to take specified steps
in relation to the proceedings,
(b) direct relevant persons in the proceedings as to the time within
which specified steps in the proceedings must be
(c) give such other directions with respect to the conduct of
proceedings as the coroner considers appropriate.
(3) In this section, a relevant person, in
relation to coronial proceedings, means any of the following persons:(a) any person who is appearing in the proceedings
(b) any person who is being represented in the
(c) any person who is acting as a representative of another person in
the proceedings,
(d) any person assisting the coroner in conducting the
exercise of jurisdiction(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 17A)(1) The State Coroner may do any one or more of the following:(a) give directions requiring a specified coroner to conduct coronial
proceedings that have not yet commenced,
(b) personally assume the jurisdiction to conduct particular coronial
(c) direct that a specified coroner assume the jurisdiction to hold
particular coronial proceedings from another coroner in circumstances where
the other coroner has been informed of the matter that gives rise to the
(d) direct that a coroner from whom jurisdiction has been assumed (the
coroner) following a direction under paragraph (c) is to provide the
coroner who assumes the jurisdiction with all relevant information concerning
the matter that the former coroner has received.
(2) The State Coroner may only give a direction concerning the
assumption of a coroner’s jurisdiction before the coroner:(a) decides to dispense with the holding of an inquest or inquiry,
(b) commences an inquest or inquiry in exercise of that
(3) The State Coroner is not to give a direction to a coroner who is a
Magistrate to assume jurisdiction without the Chief Magistrate’s
consent.51 Directions concerning investigations(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 17B and 17C)(1) The State Coroner may give to a coroner directions concerning
investigations to be carried out for the purposes of any coronial proceedings
or proposed coronial proceedings.(2) A coroner may give a police officer directions concerning
investigations to be carried out for the purposes of coronial proceedings or
proposed coronial proceedings.(3) The Director-General of the Attorney General’s Department
may enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Commissioner of Police
in relation to the regulation of costs associated with the carrying out of
investigations by police officers pursuant to directions under this
section.(4) The memorandum of understanding may be amended, revoked or
replaced from time to time.(5) The functions of giving directions under subsection (2) and
carrying out investigations pursuant to such directions must, as far as
practicable, be exercised in conformity with the memorandum of understanding.
However, a failure to comply with this subsection does not itself invalidate
anything done by a coroner or police officer.52 Practice notes and approval of forms(1) The State Coroner may:(a) issue practice notes for or with respect to the practice and
procedure to be followed in coronial proceedings, and
(b) approve forms for use in coronial
(2) The State Coroner may not issue a practice note under this section
without the Chief Magistrate’s approval.(3) A practice note:(a) must be published in the Gazette, and
(b) takes effect on the day on which it is published in the Gazette
or, if a later day or days are specified in the practice note for that
purpose, on the later day or days so specified.
(4) A practice note issued under this section may be amended or
repealed by a further practice note issued under this
section.(5) Subject to subsection (6), sections 40 and 41 of the Interpretation Act 1987 apply to a
practice note issued under this section in the same way as they apply to a
statutory rule.(6) For the purpose of applying section 40 of the Interpretation Act 1987 to a
practice note issued under this section, a reference in that section to the
publication of a statutory rule is to be read as a reference to the
publication of the practice note as provided by subsection
(3).53 Power to obtain documents and things for purposes of
coronial investigation(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 14F)(1) For the purpose of assisting a coroner in the investigation of a
death, suspected death, fire or explosion, the coroner may, by notice in
writing served on a person, direct the person to produce a document or other
thing to the coroner or another person specified in the notice at a time and
place specified in the notice.(2) The power to give such a direction includes (without
limitation):(a) the power to direct that a document be produced relating to the
medical care or treatment of a person, and
(b) the power to direct a person to provide any tissue in the
person’s possession or under the person’s control that was taken
from a deceased person before his or her death.
(3) The coroner is to withdraw a direction under this section if it
appears to the coroner that:(a) any person would be entitled on grounds of privilege to refuse to
produce the document or other thing in a court of law, and
(b) the person does not consent to compliance with the
(4) A natural person is excused from producing a document or other
thing under this section on the ground that it may tend to incriminate the
person, unless the document relates to the medical care or treatment of a
person, in which case the person is not excused from producing
it.(5) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with
a notice served on the person under this section.Maximum penalty (subsection (5)): 10 penalty
units.(6) If a direction under this section requires the production of a
document, the production of a copy of the document is taken to be sufficient
compliance with the direction unless the direction expressly requires the
production of the original document.(7) Nothing in this section limits any other power that a coroner may
have under this Act to obtain evidence.Part 6.2 Holding inquests and inquiries54 Time and place of inquest or inquiry(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 17)(1) If an inquest or inquiry is to be held under this Act by a
coroner, the coroner:(a) must fix a time and place for the commencement of the inquest or
(b) must give particulars of the time and place to any person who has
given notice in writing to the coroner of his or her intention to seek leave
to appear or to be represented at the inquest or inquiry,
(c) in the case of an inquest concerning the death or suspected death
of a person—must give particulars of the time and place to the
person’s next of kin if the coroner has been informed of the name and
address of the next of kin, and
(d) may give particulars of the time and place to any person who has,
in the opinion of the coroner, a sufficient interest in the subject-matter of
the inquest or inquiry.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1) (b), (c) or (d), the particulars
that are to be given under any of those paragraphs are taken to be given if a
notice specifying the particulars is sent by post to the person to whom the
particulars are to be given.55 Coroner may view deceased person’s remains or scene
of fire or explosion(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 29)(1) A coroner may (but need not) view the remains of a deceased
person, or the scene of a fire or explosion, with which coronial proceedings
are concerned if the coroner considers it advisable to do
so.(2) If an inquest or inquiry is being held before a jury, the coroner
may (but need not) allow the jury to view the remains of the deceased person,
or the scene of the fire or explosion, with which the inquest or inquiry is
concerned.56 Coroner’s right to possession of deceased
person’s remains(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 24)(1) A coroner has a right to take possession of and retain the remains
of a deceased person whenever the coroner has jurisdiction to hold or is
holding an inquest concerning the death or suspected death of the
person.(2) This right of the coroner has priority over any other right to
possession of the remains of a person but otherwise does not affect any other
such right.(3) This section does not prevent the making of an order by a coroner
under section 101 or the disposal of the remains of a deceased person in
accordance with such an order.(4) This section does not limit any rights that the coroner has apart
from this Act.Part 6.3 Representation and evidentiary matters57 Representation in coronial proceedings(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 32 (1) and (2))(1) The coroner in coronial proceedings may grant leave to any person,
who in the opinion of the coroner has a sufficient interest in the
subject-matter of the proceedings, to appear in person in the proceedings or
to be represented by an Australian legal
practitioner.(2) Any person granted such leave may examine and cross-examine any
witnesses on matters relevant to the proceedings.(3) A coroner holding an inquest concerning the death or suspected
death of a person must grant leave under subsection (1) to any person who is a
relative of the deceased person (or suspected deceased person) unless the
coroner is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances that justify the
coroner refusing leave.(4) If an inquest or inquiry is held before a jury:(a) a person appearing, and an Australian legal practitioner
representing a person, at the inquest or inquiry is entitled to make an
opening and a closing address to the jury, and
(b) the person assisting the coroner may make an opening and a closing
address to the jury and in addition has a right of reply in respect of any
closing address made pursuant to paragraph (a).
58 Rules of procedure and evidence(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 33)(1) A coroner in coronial proceedings is not bound to observe the
rules of procedure and evidence that are applicable to proceedings before a
court of law.(2) Except as otherwise provided by this Act, a witness in coronial
proceedings who is a natural person cannot be compelled to answer any question
or produce any document that might tend:(a) to incriminate the witness for an offence against or arising under
an Australian law or a law of a foreign country, or
(b) to make the witness liable to a civil
affirmation(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 31)(1) The coroner in coronial proceedings may examine on oath or
affirmation all persons who:(a) tender evidence relevant to the proceedings,
(b) are able, in the opinion of the coroner, to give evidence relevant
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the coroner:(a) may require a person who appears in the proceedings to give
evidence to take an oath or to make an affirmation in a form approved by the
coroner, and
examined(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 31A)(1) A person granted leave to appear or be represented in coronial
proceedings may apply to the coroner to have a particular person examined in
the proceedings. Such an application can be made before or during the hearing
of the proceedings.(2) A coroner who refuses such an application must give the applicant
the reasons for refusing the application.(3) The coroner is required to deal with such an application as soon
as reasonably practicable after it is made and in any case before the
proceedings are concluded.61 Privilege in respect of self-incrimination(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 33AA)(1) This section applies if a witness in coronial proceedings objects
to giving particular evidence, or evidence on a particular matter, on the
ground that the evidence may tend to prove that the witness:(a) has committed an offence against or arising under an Australian
(b) is liable to a civil penalty.
(2) The coroner in the coronial proceedings must determine whether or
not there are reasonable grounds for the objection.(3) If the coroner determines that there are reasonable grounds for
the objection, the coroner is to inform the witness:(a) that the witness need not give the evidence unless required by the
coroner to do so under subsection (4), and
(b) that the coroner will give a certificate under this section
if:(i) the witness willingly gives the evidence without being required to
do so under subsection (4), or
(ii) the witness gives the evidence after being required to do so under
(c) of the effect of such a certificate.
(4) The coroner may require the witness to give the evidence if the
coroner is satisfied that:(a) the evidence does not tend to prove that the witness has committed
an offence against or arising under, or is liable to a civil penalty under, a
law of a foreign country, and
(b) the interests of justice require that the witness give the
(5) If the witness either willingly gives the evidence without being
required to do so under subsection (4), or gives it after being required to do
so under that subsection, the coroner must cause the witness to be given a
evidence.(6) The coroner is also to cause a witness to be given a certificate
under this section if:(a) the objection has been overruled, and
(b) after the evidence has been given, the coroner finds that there
were reasonable grounds for the objection.
(7) In any proceeding in a NSW court within the meaning of the Evidence Act 1995 or before any
person or body authorised by a law of the State, or by consent of parties, to
hear, receive and examine evidence:(a) evidence given by a person in respect of which a certificate under
this section has been given, and
(b) evidence of any information, document or thing obtained as a
direct or indirect consequence of the person having given
cannot be used against the person. However, this does not apply to a
criminal proceeding in respect of the falsity of the
evidence.(8) Subsection (7) has effect despite any challenge, review, quashing
or calling into question on any ground of the decision to give, or the
validity of, the certificate concerned.(9) A reference in this section to doing an act includes a reference
to failing to act.(10) A certificate under this section can only be given in respect of
evidence that is required to be given by a natural
person.62 Refusal of witness to be examined(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 42 and 54 (1))A person who appears (whether or not on subpoena or warrant) to
give evidence or to produce any document or thing in coronial proceedings must
not, without lawful excuse:(a) refuse to take the oath or affirmation, or
(b) refuse to be examined on oath or affirmation,
(c) having taken the oath or made an affirmation, refuse to answer any
question relevant to the subject-matter of the proceedings,
(d) refuse or fail to produce the document or
units.63 Documentary evidence(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 34A)Parts 3 and 4 of Chapter 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 apply
to and in respect of any coronial proceedings in the same way as they apply to
and in respect of proceedings before a court, and any function exercisable by
an authorised person under those Parts may, for the purposes of coronial
proceedings, be exercised by a coroner.64 Fresh inquest or inquiry—admission of previous
depositions(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 33A)(1) A coroner holding a fresh inquest or inquiry may admit in evidence
the depositions taken at any previous inquest or
inquiry.(2) Subsection (1) is subject to the terms of an order made by a court
for the holding of the fresh inquest or inquiry.Note. Section 83 provides for the circumstances in which a fresh inquest
or inquiry concerning a matter may be held by a coroner following the
termination or conclusion of a previous inquest or inquiry concerning the
matter. Also, section 85 enables the Supreme Court to order that a fresh
inquest or inquiry be held in certain circumstances.65 Records of evidence(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 34)(1) The coroner in coronial proceedings is to ensure that the evidence
of every witness in the proceedings is recorded.(2) Subject to this section, a coroner or assistant coroner is to
supply a person with a copy of a coroner’s file (or a part of that file)
at the request of the person if:(a) the coroner or assistant coroner is satisfied that it is
appropriate for the person to be granted access to the file (or a part of the
file), and
(b) the person pays the fee that is payable in the Local Court for the
provision of a copy of a document (other than a copy of a judgment or order or
the reasons for a judgment or order) or such other fee as may be prescribed by
(or calculated in accordance with) the regulations.
(3) In determining whether it is appropriate to grant a person access
to a coroner’s file (or a part of the file), the coroner or assistant
coroner making the determination is to have regard to the following
matters:(a) the principle that coronial proceedings should generally be open
(b) if the coroner’s file relates to a deceased person—the
impact on the relatives of the deceased person of allowing
(c) the connection that the person requesting access has to the
proceedings concerned,
(d) the reasons why access is being sought,
(e) any other matter that the coroner or assistant coroner considers
(4) A coroner who conducts coronial proceedings may, by notation on
the coroner’s file on the matter, direct that a copy of the whole or a
particular part of the file is not to be supplied under this
section.(5) A direction by a coroner under subsection (4) must include a
statement of the coroner’s reasons for the
direction.(6) A copy of a coroner’s file (or of any part of the file) is
not to be supplied under this section in contravention of:(a) a direction by a coroner under subsection (4),
(b) an order made under section 74.
(7) In this section:coroner’s file
means the documents (including the depositions of witnesses, transcripts and
written findings) that form part of the file kept by a coroner in respect of a
death, suspected death, fire or explosion.66 Subpoena for appearance or warrant for arrest of
witness(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 35)(1) If it appears to a coroner that any person is likely to be able to
give material evidence in coronial proceedings, or is likely to have in his or
her possession or power any document or thing required for the purposes of
evidence in the proceedings, the coroner may issue any of the following
subpoenas:(a) a subpoena for the appearance of the person to be examined as a
(b) a subpoena for the person to produce the document or
(c) a subpoena both for the appearance of that person to be examined
as a witness and to produce the document or thing.
(2) However, if the coroner is satisfied by evidence on oath or
affirmation that it is probable that the person will not comply with a
subpoena unless compelled to do so, the coroner may issue a warrant in the
first instance for the arrest of that person.(3) A coroner may exercise a function under this section in respect of
coronial proceedings being conducted by another coroner, but only with the
consent of that other coroner.(4) A person is not bound to produce any document or thing:(a) not specified or otherwise sufficiently described in a subpoena or
arrest warrant issued under this section in respect of the person,
(b) that the person would not be bound to produce on a subpoena for
production in the Supreme Court.
(5) An assistant coroner may, at the direction of a coroner given in a
particular case, exercise the power of the coroner to issue a subpoena or
arrest warrant under this section.67 Form of subpoena(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 36)A subpoena issued under this Part must:(a) be signed by the coroner or assistant coroner issuing it,
(b) be directed to the person whose appearance is required or who is
required to produce a document or thing, and
(c) require that person to appear at a certain time and place before
the coroner conducting the coronial proceedings concerned to testify what the
person knows concerning the subject-matter of the proceedings or to produce
any document or thing specified or described in the
68 Manner of service of subpoena(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 37)(1) A subpoena issued under this Part must be served by:(a) a police officer, or
(b) where the coroner or assistant coroner issuing the subpoena so
directs—the Sheriff, or a sheriff’s officer, within the meaning of
the Sheriff Act
(2) Service of a subpoena may be effected:(a) by handing it to the person to whom it is directed,
(b) if the person is an inmate of a correctional centre (within the
Sentences) Act 1999):(i) by handing it to the officer in charge of the correctional centre,
(ii) by sending it by post or facsimile or other electronic
transmission to the officer in charge at the correctional centre,
(c) if the person is a police officer or a public officer:(i) by sending it by post or facsimile to the person’s business
(ii) by sending it by electronic communication to the person’s
business email address, or
(d) if the person is not a police officer, public officer or
inmate:(i) by sending it by post or facsimile to the person’s
residential address, or
(e) if the person is represented by a legal practitioner—by
leaving it, with the consent of the relevant legal practitioner for the
person, at the relevant legal practitioner’s address for service or by
sending it to that address by post or facsimile or by sending it to the legal
practitioner’s email address for service by electronic
(3) If, on tender of a subpoena, the person refuses to accept it, it
may be served by putting it down in the person’s presence after the
person has been told of the nature of the subpoena.(4) Service of a subpoena in the manner specified in subsection (2) or
(3) may be proved by the oath or affirmation of the person who served it
attending the coronial proceedings concerned, by his or her affidavit or
otherwise.(5) In this section:public
officer means any of the following persons, but only when acting in
an official capacity:(a) an employee in the Public Service or the NSW Police
(d) an officer or employee of a livestock health and pest authority
within the meaning of the Rural Lands
relevant legal
practitioner for a person means:(a) if the person is represented only by a solicitor—the
solicitor, or
(b) if the person is represented only by a barrister under a direct
access arrangement—the barrister, or
(c) if the person is represented by both a solicitor and a
barrister—the solicitor.
subpoena(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 39)If a person who has been issued with a subpoena to appear in
coronial proceedings does not appear at the time and place specified in the
subpoena, the coroner before whom the person was required to appear may, on
proof of the due service of the subpoena on the person and if no just excuse
is offered for the person’s non-appearance, issue a warrant for the
arrest of the person.70 Form of warrant(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 41 (1)–(3))(1) An arrest warrant issued by a coroner or assistant coroner under
this Part must:(a) be signed by the coroner or assistant coroner,
(b) be directed to:(i) a named police officer, or
(ii) a person authorised by law to execute a warrant to arrest,
(iii) the senior police officer of the area where the warrant is to be
executed, or
(iv) the senior police officer and all other police officers,
(v) generally all police officers, and
(c) name or otherwise describe the person to be arrested,
(d) order that the person be arrested and brought before a coroner to
testify what the person knows concerning the subject-matter of the coronial
proceedings or to produce the document or writing specified or described in
(2) An arrest warrant is to be returnable at a time and place to be
stated in the warrant.(3) An arrest warrant may be executed by arresting the person against
whom it is directed at any place in the State.71 Arrest of witness under arrest warrant(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 40 and 41 (3))(1) A person arrested under an arrest warrant issued under this Part
is to be brought before a coroner or authorised justice as soon as practicable
after the person’s arrest.(2) Subject to subsection (3), a person arrested under an arrest
warrant may be dealt with in the same way as a witness arrested under a
warrant issued under section 231 of the Criminal Procedure Act
1986.(3) A coroner or authorised justice before whom a person is brought
after having been arrested under an arrest warrant issued under this
Part:(a) must, subject to the Bail Act
1978, order that a warrant be issued for the committal of the
person to a correctional centre or other place of security,
(b) must order the person to be brought before a coroner at such time
and place as is specified in the order.
(4) The Bail Act
1978 applies to the person (not being an accused person within
the meaning of that Act) in the same way as it applies to an accused person
within the meaning of that Act to whom section 9 of that Act applies and, for
that purpose, bail may be granted to such a person under that Act with respect
to the period between:(a) the person’s being brought before a coroner under a warrant
for the purpose of being examined as a witness or producing a document or
(b) the person’s being examined as a witness or producing the
document or thing.
justice has the same meaning as in the Bail Act
1978.72 Certain defects immaterial(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 38)No objection may be taken or allowed to any subpoena or arrest
warrant in respect of any alleged defect in the subpoena or warrant in
substance or in form.Part 6.4 Disclosure of information73 Meaning of “published”(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 46)For the purposes of this Part, matter is published only if it
is:(a) inserted in any newspaper or any other periodical publication,
(b) publicly exhibited, or
(c) broadcast by radio or by television, or
(d) published by means of the Internet.
of evidence or submissions(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 44 (1), (5) and (6) and 45 (1) and (4))(1) A coroner in coronial proceedings may, if of the opinion that it
would be in the public interest to do so, order:(a) any or all persons (including witnesses in the proceedings) to go
and remain outside the room or building in which the proceedings are being
heard, or
(b) that any evidence given in the proceedings not be published,
(c) that any submissions made in the proceedings concerning whether a
known person may have committed an indictable offence not be
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the coroner may, in forming an
opinion as to the public interest, have regard (without limitation) to the
following matters:(a) the principle that coronial proceedings should generally be open
(b) in the case of an order that is proposed to be made in relation to
a witness in the proceedings—the likelihood that the evidence of the
witness might be influenced by other evidence given in the proceedings if the
witness is present when that other evidence is given,
(d) the personal security of the public or any
(3) A person must not contravene an order made under this
section.Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months (in
the case of an individual) or 50 penalty units (in any other
case).75 Powers of coroner in relation to reports or proceedings
concerning self-inflicted deaths(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 44 (2)–(4) and 45 (1), (2) and (4))(1) A coroner may make an order under this section (a non-publication
order) if it appears to the coroner (whether by reason of
information reported or received under Chapter 4 or during the course of
coronial proceedings) that a death or suspected death is
self-inflicted.(2) A non-publication order may prohibit or restrict any or all of the
following:(a) the publication of any report (or any further report) of the
proceedings (or any specified part of the proceedings) until after the coroner
has made his or her findings or, in the case of an inquest held before a jury,
the jury has brought in its verdict,
(b) the publication of any matter (including the publication of any
photograph or other pictorial representation) that identifies any particular
person:(i) as being a person whose death or suspected death may have been
self-inflicted, or
(ii) as being a relative of a person whose death or suspected death may
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) (b), the following persons are
relatives of a person whose death or suspected death may have been
self-inflicted:(a) the spouse of that person, a parent of that person, a person who
of that person,
(b) a person who, at the time of the death or suspected death, was
living with that person as her husband or his wife,
(c) a brother or sister of that person.
(4) To the extent to which a non-publication order prohibits the
publication of any matter referred to in subsection (2) (b), the order
continues to have effect after the coroner has made his or her findings, or
after the jury (if any) has brought in its verdict, but only if the order
expressly so provides.(5) If a finding is made in an inquest to the effect that the death of
a person was self-inflicted, a report of the proceedings (or any part of the
proceedings) must not be published after the finding unless (and to the extent
that) the coroner holding the inquest makes an order permitting the
publication of the report.(6) A coroner may make an order under subsection (5) only if the
coroner is of the opinion that it is desirable in the public interest to
permit a report of the proceedings (or part of the proceedings) of the inquest
to be published.(7) A person must not contravene (or cause the contravention
of):(a) a non-publication order, or
(b) the provisions of subsection (5).
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months (in
case).76 Publication of certain questions, warnings, objections,
submissions and comments(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 45 (3) and (4))A person must not publish any of the following matters without the
express permission of the coroner in the coronial proceedings
concerned:(a) any question asked of a witness that the coroner has forbidden or
(b) any warning that a coroner has given to a witness that he or she
is not compelled to answer a question,
(c) any objection made by a witness to giving evidence on the ground
that the evidence may tend to prove that the witness has committed an
(d) any submissions made by or on behalf of a person appearing or
being represented in the proceedings or by a person assisting the coroner, or
any comment made by the coroner, concerning whether an inquest or inquiry
should be suspended under section 78.
case).77 Certain matters not prohibited or preventedNothing in this Part prohibits or prevents:(a) the publication of a judgment of a court that contains matter the
publication of which would otherwise have been prohibited by this Part,
(b) the publication of matter in such other circumstances as may be
Part 6.5 Resolution of coronial proceedings78 Procedure at inquest or inquiry involving indictable
offence(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 19)(1) This section applies in relation to any of the following inquests
or inquiries:(a) an inquest or inquiry held by a coroner to whom it appears
(whether before the commencement or during the course of the inquest or
inquiry) that:(i) a person has been charged with an indictable offence,
(ii) the indictable offence raises the issue of whether the person
caused the death, suspected death, fire or explosion with which the inquest or
inquiry is concerned,
(b) an inquest or inquiry if, at any time during the course of the
inquest or inquiry, the coroner forms the opinion (having regard to all of the
evidence given up to that time) that:(i) the evidence is capable of satisfying a jury beyond reasonable
doubt that a known person has committed an indictable offence,
(ii) there is a reasonable prospect that a jury would convict the known
person of the indictable offence, and
(iii) the indictable offence would raise the issue of whether the known
person caused the death, suspected death, fire or explosion with which the
inquest or inquiry is concerned.
(2) If this section applies to an inquest or inquiry as provided by
subsection (1) (a), the coroner:(a) may commence the inquest or inquiry, or continue it if it has
commenced, but only for the purpose of taking evidence to establish:(i) in the case of an inquest—the death, the identity of the
deceased person and the date and place of death, or
(ii) in the case of an inquiry—the date and place of the fire or
(b) after taking that evidence (or if that evidence has been taken),
must suspend the inquest or inquiry and, if there is a jury, must discharge
(3) If this section applies to an inquest or inquiry as provided by
subsection (1) (b), the coroner may:(a) continue the inquest or inquiry and record under section 81 (1) or
(2) the coroner’s findings or, if there is a jury, the verdict of the
jury, or
(b) suspend the inquest or inquiry and, if there is a jury, discharge
(4) The coroner is required to forward to the Director of Public
Prosecutions:(a) the depositions taken at an inquest or inquiry to which this
(b) in the case of an inquest or inquiry referred to in subsection (1)
(b)—a written statement signed by the coroner that specifies the name of
the known person and the particulars of the indictable offence
inquiry(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 20)(1) Subject to subsections (2A), (3), (5) and (5A), a coroner who has
suspended, or not commenced, an inquest or inquiry under section 78 may make
an order:(a) that the inquest or inquiry is to resume or commence (as the case
may be), or
(b) to dispense with the resumption or holding of the inquest or
(2) An order under subsection (1) may be made on a coroner’s own
motion or on the application of a person who has been granted leave to appear
or to be represented at the inquest or inquiry.(2A) An order under subsection (1) that an inquest or inquiry be
resumed may not be made unless the coroner has given the State Coroner written
notice of:(a) the coroner’s intention to make the order,
(b) the day on which it is proposed to make the order (being a day
that is no earlier than 14 days after the notice is
(3) If a person has been charged with an indictable offence in which
the question of whether the person caused a death, suspected death, fire or
explosion is in issue, an inquest or inquiry that has been suspended, or that
has not commenced, under section 78 may not be resumed or commenced (as the
case may be) until the charge is finally
determined.(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), a charge is taken to be
determined if:(a) the person has been discharged from proceedings with respect to
the offence to which the charge relates, or
(b) no further appeal can be made in proceedings in respect of the
charge without an extension of time being granted, or
(c) the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions
directs that no further proceedings be taken against the person in respect of
(5) If the coroner has suspended an inquest or inquiry after forming
the opinion referred to in section 78 (1) (b) (and a person has not been
charged as referred to in subsection (3) in relation to an indictable
offence), the suspended inquest or inquiry may not be resumed until the
Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions advises that no
proceedings will be taken against the known person (as referred to in section
78 (1) (b)) in relation to the indictable offence.(5A) If the State Coroner considers that it is inappropriate for a
suspended inquest or inquiry to be resumed, the State Coroner may, after
consulting the coroner who suspended it, direct that the inquest or inquiry
not be resumed.(5B) The State Coroner is not to give a direction under subsection (5A)
to a coroner who is a Magistrate without the Chief Magistrate’s
consent.(6) If the coroner who suspended, or did not commence, an inquest or
inquiry under section 78 is not available to resume, commence or dispense with
the inquest or inquiry for any reason, the State Coroner or a coroner
authorised by the State Coroner, may resume, commence or dispense with the
inquest or inquiry in accordance with this section.80 Procedure at inquest if finding that person did not
die(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 21)(1) If, at any time during the course of an inquest concerning the
death or suspected death of a person, it appears to the coroner from the
evidence that the person has not died:(a) where there is no jury—the coroner must make a finding that
the person has not died and terminate the inquest, or
(b) where there is a jury—the coroner may request the jury to
bring in a preliminary verdict as to whether or not the person has
(2) The following provisions apply when a preliminary verdict is
brought in by a jury following a request by the coroner referred to in
subsection (1) (b):(a) if the verdict of the jury is that the person has not
died—the coroner must terminate the inquest and discharge the
(b) if the verdict of the jury is that the person has died or that it
is uncertain whether the person has died—the inquest is to be
(3) If a coroner terminates an inquest under this section, the coroner
must record in writing the coroner’s findings or, if there is a jury,
the jury’s verdict.81 Findings of coroner or jury verdict to be
recorded(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 22)(1) The coroner holding an inquest concerning the death or suspected
death of a person must, at its conclusion or on its suspension, record in
writing the coroner’s findings or, if there is a jury, the jury’s
verdict, as to whether the person died and, if so:(a) the person’s identity, and
(b) the date and place of the person’s death,
(c) in the case of an inquest that is being concluded—the manner
and cause of the person’s death.
(2) The coroner holding an inquiry concerning a fire or explosion
must, at its conclusion or on its suspension, record in writing the
coroner’s findings or, if there is a jury, the jury’s
verdict:(a) as to the date and place of the fire or explosion,
(b) in the case of an inquiry that is being concluded—as to the
circumstances of the fire or explosion.
(3) Any record made under subsection (1) or (2) must not indicate or
in any way suggest that an offence has been committed by any
person.82 Coroner or jury may make recommendations(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 22A)(1) A coroner (whether or not there is a jury) or a jury may make such
recommendations as the coroner or jury considers necessary or desirable to
make in relation to any matter connected with the death, suspected death, fire
or explosion with which an inquest or inquiry is
concerned.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the following are matters that
can be the subject of a recommendation:(a) public health and safety,
(b) that a matter be investigated or reviewed by a specified person or
(3) The record made under section 81 is to include any recommendations
made by the coroner or jury. The record must not indicate or in any way
suggest that an offence has been committed by any
person.(4) The coroner is to ensure that a copy of a record that includes
recommendations made under this section is provided, as soon as is reasonably
practicable, to:(a) the State Coroner (unless the coroner is the State Coroner),
(b) any person or body to which a recommendation included in the
record is directed, and
(d) any other Minister (if any) that administers legislation, or who
is responsible for the person or body, to which a recommendation in the record
conducted(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 23 and 23A)(1) This section provides for the circumstances in which:(a) a new inquest (a fresh inquest)
concerning the death or suspected death of a person may be held even though
the death or suspected death was previously the subject of another inquest (a
inquest), and
(b) a new inquiry (a fresh inquiry)
concerning a fire or explosion may be held even though the fire or explosion
was previously the subject of another inquiry (a previous
(2) A fresh inquest may be held if:(a) a previous inquest was terminated before its conclusion because it
appeared to the coroner that the person did not die, or
(b) a previous inquest was concluded and the coroner’s finding,
or the jury’s recorded verdict, was that the person did not die or that
it is uncertain whether the person had died.
(3) If the remains of a person are found in the State, a fresh inquest
may be held concerning the death of the person even though a previous inquest
was held concerning the suspected death of the
person.(4) A fresh inquest or inquiry must be held if:(a) an application for a fresh inquest or inquiry is made under this
(b) on the basis of the application, the State Coroner is of the
opinion that the discovery of new evidence or facts makes it necessary or
desirable in the interests of justice to hold a fresh inquest or
(5) An application for a fresh inquest or inquiry may only be made by
a police officer or by a person who was granted leave to appear or be
represented at a previous inquest or inquiry.(6) If a successful application for a fresh inquest or inquiry is made
under this section, the State Coroner can hold the fresh inquest or inquiry or
can direct another coroner to hold it.(7) The findings on the fresh inquest or inquiry may be expressed to
be in addition to or in substitution for the findings on any previous inquest
or inquiry (even if the previous inquest or inquiry was a fresh inquest or
inquiry).(8) This section does not limit or otherwise affect any other power of
a coroner (including the State Coroner) to hold a fresh inquest or inquiry and
does not limit or affect the provisions of this Act with respect to the
termination or suspension of inquests.Chapter 7 Powers of Supreme Court84 Orders for inquests or inquiries(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 47 (1))(1) The Supreme Court may, on the application of the Minister or any
other person, make any of the following orders if the Court is satisfied that
it is necessary or desirable to do so in the interests of justice:(a) an order that an inquest concerning a death or suspected death be
(b) an order that an inquiry concerning a fire or explosion should be
(2) An order may be made under this section regardless of whether an
inquest concerning the death or suspected death or an inquiry concerning the
fire or explosion has been partly held and terminated or
suspended.85 Orders for fresh inquests or inquiries(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 47 (2))The Supreme Court may, on the application of the Minister or any
other person, make an order that an inquest or inquiry that has been (or that
has purportedly been) held be quashed and that a new inquest or inquiry be
held if the Court is satisfied that it is necessary or desirable to do so in
the interests of justice because of:(a) fraud, or
(b) the rejection of evidence, or
(c) an irregularity of proceedings, or
(d) an insufficiency of inquiry, or
(e) the discovery of new evidence or facts, or
(f) any other reason.
86 Notification of application(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 47 (2A) and (2B))(1) If an application for an order under this Chapter is made by a
person other than the Minister, notice of the application must be served on
the Minister in accordance with the rules of court of the Supreme
Court.(2) (Repealed)86A Intervention by Minister in application(1) The Minister may intervene in any application for an order under
this Chapter to which the Minister is not a party.(2) If the Minister intervenes in an application for an order under
this Chapter, the Minister:(a) becomes a party to the application, and
(b) has all the rights, including rights of appeal, of a party to the
(3) The Minister is entitled to be heard on the hearing of an
application for an order under this Chapter even if the Minister does not
intervene in the application or the Minister is not otherwise a party to the
application.87 State Coroner to be served with orders(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 47 (3)–(6))(1) If the Supreme Court makes an order under this Chapter, the order
must be served on the State Coroner within 21 days after it is made in
accordance with the rules of court of the Court or any directions given by
that Court in making the order.(2) If the State Coroner is served with an order made by the Supreme
Court under this Chapter that an inquest or inquiry (or a fresh inquest or
inquiry) be held:(a) the State Coroner is to hold the inquest or inquiry or direct
another coroner to hold the inquest or inquiry, and
(b) any coroner who is to hold the inquest or inquiry is taken to have
jurisdiction to hold it under this Act.
(3) Despite any other provision of this Act, a coroner who has
jurisdiction to hold an inquest or inquiry by virtue of subsection (2) may not
dispense with the holding of the inquest or
inquiry.Chapter 8 Post mortem investigative proceduresPart 8.1 Investigation directions, exhumations and related
matters88 Dignity of deceased person to be respected(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 53AA)(1) When a post mortem examination or other examination or test is
conducted on the remains of a deceased person under this Part, regard is to be
had to the dignity of the deceased person.(2) If more than one procedure is available to a person conducting a
post mortem examination to establish the cause and manner of a deceased
person’s death, the person conducting the examination is to endeavour to
use the least invasive procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances.(3) Without limiting subsection (2), examples of procedures that are
less invasive than a full post mortem examination of the remains of a deceased
person include (but are not limited to) the following:(a) an external examination of the remains,
(b) a radiological examination of the remains,
(c) blood and tissue sampling,
(d) a partial post mortem examination.
directions(cf Coroners Act
1980, ss 48, 49 and 53B (4))(1) A coroner may, by written order, give any one or more of the
following directions (a post mortem
investigation direction) to an appropriate medical investigator if
the coroner considers that it is necessary or desirable to do so for the
purpose of assisting in the investigation of the death of a deceased person
under this Act:(a) a direction that the investigator conduct (or arrange for another
person to conduct) a post mortem examination on the remains of the deceased
(b) a direction that the investigator conduct (or arrange for another
person to conduct) a special examination or test specified in the direction
of:(i) the remains of the deceased person, or
(ii) the contents of the person’s body or any part of the
person’s body, or
(iii) such other matters or things as the coroner considers ought to be
examined for the purpose of coronial proceedings (including, without
limitation, any tissue taken from the deceased person before the
person’s death),
(c) a direction that the investigator conduct (or arrange for another
person to conduct) a review of the medical records of the deceased person,
which may include consultations with medical practitioners involved in the
treatment of the deceased person,
(d) if it appears to the coroner that the cause of death of the
deceased person has not been satisfactorily explained by a report given
pursuant to a previous post mortem investigation direction (whether given by
the same investigator or another person)—a direction that the
investigator conduct (or arrange for another person to conduct) another
examination, test or review of the kind referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or
(c) (whether or not it is of the same kind as that specified in the previous
(2) In addition to the kinds of directions referred to in subsection
(1), the coroner may also give a post mortem investigation direction to an
appropriate medical investigator that directs the investigator to conduct (or
arrange for another person to conduct) an examination of human remains for the
purpose of determining whether the remains are those of a stillborn
child.(3) An appropriate
medical investigator for the purposes of a post mortem investigation
direction is any of the following persons:(a) a Coronial Medical Officer,
(b) a pathologist,
(c) any other person that the coroner considers has appropriate
qualifications to conduct (or has the capacity to arrange for another
appropriately qualified person to conduct) the examination, test or review
(4) A post mortem investigation direction is subject to such
limitations (if any) as may be specified in the
order.(5) The following provisions apply in relation to a post mortem
investigation direction that requires or permits an appropriate medical
investigator to arrange for another person to conduct an examination, test or
review specified in the direction:(a) the investigator may (subject to any limitations specified in the
direction) arrange for a person (the selected
person) to conduct the examination, test or review if the
investigator considers that the person has appropriate qualifications to do
(b) the selected person is authorised to conduct the examination, test
or review on behalf of the investigator,
(c) the investigator may, for the purposes of subsection (7), rely on
any report prepared by the selected person on the examination, test or
(6) Without limiting subsection (1), a coroner may decide to dispense
with a post mortem examination on a deceased person if the coroner is
satisfied (after obtaining relevant advice from police officers and medical
practitioners and consulting with a senior next of kin of the deceased person
and any other person that the coroner considers appropriate) that:(a) the deceased person died of natural causes (whether or not the
(7) A person to whom a post mortem investigation direction is given
must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the examination, test or
review specified in the direction is completed, provide the coroner with a
written report (a post mortem
investigation report) on the results of the examination, test or
review.(8) If a post mortem investigation report relates to a review of the
medical records of a deceased person, the report is to contain a statement
from the person who conducted the review about the person’s opinion (if
any) as to the probable cause of death based on that
review.(9) An assistant coroner may, in accordance with the directions of a
coroner given either generally or in a particular case, exercise any function
of the coroner under this section.90 Retention and use of human tissue pursuant to
direction(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 48AA (1)–(3))(1) This section applies to a post mortem investigation direction for
the conduct of an examination or test in relation to a deceased person’s
remains.(2) A post mortem investigation direction to which this section
applies is taken to authorise the removal and use of tissue from the body of
the deceased person for any of the following purposes:(a) an investigation by a coroner of the person’s
(b) an investigation of any offence,
(c) proceedings for any offence.
(3) A post mortem investigation direction to which this section
applies is also taken to authorise the following:(a) the retention of small samples of any of the following tissue
removed from the body of the deceased person under subsection (2):(i) bodily fluid,
(ii) skin, hair and nails,
(iii) any other tissue retained in the form of a tissue slide or tissue
block which enables microscopic examination of the tissue,
(iv) such tissue as may be directed in writing by a coroner in any
particular case,
(b) if the tissue is tissue that was taken from the deceased person
before his or her death—the retention of the tissue,Note. Section 53 (2) (b) enables a coroner to give directions to a
person to provide any tissue taken from a deceased person before his or her
death to a specified person for the purposes of investigating the deceased
person’s death. Section 89 (1) (b) (iii) enables a coroner to give a
post mortem investigation direction that any such tissue be examined or
(c) the use of any sample retained under paragraph (a) or (b) for any
of the following purposes:(i) the exercise by a coroner of his or her functions under this
(ii) an investigation of any offence,
(iii) any legal proceedings (whether or not in connection with an
(iv) a purpose authorised by an authority given under the Human Tissue Act 1983 that is
sufficient authority to use the tissue for that purpose,
(v) in relation to a sample referred to in paragraph (a) (iii), any
medical, therapeutic or scientific purpose,
(vi) such other purposes as may be prescribed by the
(4) However, nothing in this section authorises the retention of whole
organs of a deceased person after a coroner makes an order authorising the
disposal of the deceased person’s remains unless a coroner makes a
further order under subsection (5) authorising the
retention.(5) A coroner may make an order authorising the retention of specified
whole organs of a deceased person only if the coroner is satisfied that the
retention is necessary or desirable to assist in the investigation of the
manner or cause of the person’s death.(6) A coroner who makes an order under subsection (5) is to cause
notice of the making of the order to be given to a senior next of kin of the
deceased person as soon as is reasonably practicable after the order is
made.(7) This section does not limit the rights of a coroner under section
56 and does not affect anything authorised by or under any other
law.91 Warrant for exhumation of deceased’s
remains(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 53)(1) A coroner may issue a warrant (an exhumation
warrant) to a police officer for the exhumation of the remains of a
deceased person who has been buried if the coroner considers it desirable to
do so for the purpose of directing any of the following:(a) a post mortem examination, or a further or more complete post
mortem examination, of the remains (or part of the
remains),
(b) a special examination or test, or a further or more complete
special examination or test, of the remains (or part of the
(2) Subject to subsection (3), an exhumation warrant may be issued
if:(a) an inquest concerning the death of the deceased person has not
been held, or
(b) an inquest concerning the death of the deceased person has been
suspended because of a person being charged with (or there being evidence that
may lead to a person being charged with) an indictable offence,
(c) an inquest concerning the death of the deceased person was
terminated following a finding that the person had not died,
(d) an inquest concerning the death of the deceased person was not
completed for any other reason, or
(e) the Supreme Court has quashed an inquest concerning the death of
the deceased person and ordered that a fresh inquest be
(3) If a previous inquest concerning the death of the deceased person
has been suspended or terminated as referred to in subsection (2) (b) or (c),
the coroner may not issue an exhumation warrant unless the inquest may be
resumed or a fresh inquest may (or is required to be) held under this
Act.(4) A police officer to whom an exhumation warrant has been issued is
to cause the warrant to be executed and, following its execution, is to report
the fact to the coroner.92 Coronial Medical Officers(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 47A)The Director-General of the Department of Health may appoint such
medical practitioners as the Director-General is satisfied are suitably
qualified to be Coronial Medical Officers for the purposes of this
Act.93 Remuneration of medical practitioners and other
1980, s 52)(1) This section applies to a medical practitioner or any other person
who, in accordance with a direction or request of a coroner, does any of the
following:(a) conducts any post mortem examination or any special examination or
(b) attends and gives evidence at an inquest with respect to a post
mortem examination or special examination or test conducted by the medical
practitioner or other person.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), a medical practitioner or other person
to whom this section applies is entitled to be paid fees calculated at the
rate prescribed by the regulations (the prescribed
fees).(3) A medical practitioner or other person is not entitled to be paid
the prescribed fees for carrying out a function referred to in subsection (1)
if the medical practitioner or other person carried out the function in his or
her capacity as an employee of a public health organisation, correctional
centre or other public institution.(4) A medical practitioner who is a visiting practitioner (within the
meaning of the Health Services Act
1997) of a public health organisation is not an employee of
the organisation for the purposes of subsection
(3).(5) In this section:public health
1997.94 Protection for persons acting under coroner’s
1980, s 52A)Anything done or omitted to be done by a medical practitioner or
other person does not subject the person to any action, liability, claim or
demand if the act or omission was done or omitted to be done in good faith for
the purposes of:(a) conducting a post mortem examination or other examination or test
pursuant to a direction under this Act, or
(b) conducting a review of the medical records of a deceased person
pursuant to a direction under this Act.
functions95 Meaning of “relevant post mortem investigative
function”For the purposes of this Part, a relevant
post mortem investigative function means any of the following
functions of a coroner or assistant coroner:(a) the function of issuing a post mortem investigation direction for
the conduct of post mortem examinations on deceased
(b) the function of authorising the retention of whole organs of
deceased persons under section 90.
post mortem investigative functions(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 48A (1)–(5))(1) A senior next of kin of a deceased person may, by notice in
writing, request a coroner or an assistant coroner not to exercise a relevant
post mortem investigative function in relation to the deceased
person.(2) If such a request is made, an assistant coroner must not make any
further decision concerning the exercise of the relevant post mortem
investigative function but must refer the matter to a
coroner.(3) If the coroner decides that the post mortem examination or whole
organ retention concerned is necessary or is desirable, the coroner must
immediately cause written notice of that decision to be given to the senior
next of kin who made the request.(4) The notice under subsection (3) must:(a) if the objection relates to the conduct of a post mortem
examination—indicate the earliest time at which the post mortem
examination may be conducted (being a time that is not earlier than 48 hours
after the senior next of kin has been given the notice),
(b) state that the senior next of kin may apply to the Supreme Court
for an order that a post mortem examination not be conducted or a whole organ
not be retained (as the case requires).
(5) The coroner may refuse a request made by the senior next of kin of
a deceased person for a post mortem examination not to be conducted on the
deceased person if the coroner is satisfied that the senior next of kin has
been, or may be, charged with an offence in connection with the deceased
person’s death.(6) Nothing in subsection (5) prevents another senior next of kin of
the deceased person from making a request that a post mortem examination not
to be conducted on the deceased person.97 Applications to Supreme Court by senior next of
kin(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 48A (6)–(8))(1) A senior next of kin to whom a notice has been given under section
96 (3) may apply to the Supreme Court within 48 hours after the notice was
given for an order that a relevant post mortem investigative function not be
exercised.(2) The making of the application to the Supreme Court operates to
stay the operation of any order or direction of the coroner for the exercise
of the relevant post mortem investigative function.(3) On any such application, the Supreme Court may make any of the
following orders if the Court is satisfied that it is necessary or desirable
in the circumstances to do so:(a) in the case of an application concerning a post mortem examination
being conducted on a deceased person:(i) an order that the post mortem examination not be conducted,
(ii) an order that a post mortem examination be conducted subject to
such limitations as the Court may specify in the order, or
(iii) an order confirming the direction of the
(b) in the case of an application concerning the retention of a whole
organ of a deceased person:(i) an order that the whole organ not be retained,
(ii) an order confirming the order of the
exercise functions(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 48A (9) and (10))(1) A senior next of kin of a deceased person may, by instrument in
writing, authorise another person to exercise his or her functions as senior
next of kin under this Part.(2) In such a case, the person so authorised:(a) may make a request under this Part if a copy of his or her
authority to exercise the functions of the senior next of kin is provided to
the coroner or assistant coroner concerned with that request,
(b) is taken, for the purposes of this Part (other than subsection
(1)), to be the senior next of kin of the deceased
(3) If a request by the senior next of kin of a deceased person for a
post mortem examination not to be conducted on the deceased person has been
refused under section 96 (5), the senior next of kin may not authorise another
person to make the request.99 Objection to exercise of relevant post mortem
investigative functions by other persons(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 48B)(1) Nothing in this Part prevents a person, other than the deceased
person’s senior next of kin, from objecting to the exercise of a
relevant post mortem investigative function in relation to a deceased
person.(2) If such an objection is made to an assistant coroner, the
assistant coroner must not make any further decision concerning the exercise
of the function but must refer the matter to a
coroner.(3) The other provisions of this Part do not apply in relation to any
such objection.Chapter 9 Disposal of human remains100 Unauthorised disposal of human remains(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 53A (1)–(4))(1) A person must not bury or cremate human remains, or place human
remains in a mausoleum or other permanent resting place, or cause the remains
to be so buried, cremated or placed, unless:(a) the person has been given, or has in his or her possession, an
appropriate disposal authorisation for the disposal of the remains,
(b) the disposal of the remains is otherwise authorised by the
units.(2) A person must not deliver or hand over human remains for
anatomical or medical research, or remove human remains (other than cremated
remains) from the State, or cause such remains to be so delivered, handed over
or removed, unless:(a) an appropriate disposal authorisation for the disposal of the
remains has been issued, or
units.(3) An appropriate
disposal authorisation is:(a) in relation to the disposal of the remains of a deceased person
(other than a stillborn child)—any of the following documents:(i) a notice given by a medical practitioner for the purpose of
section 39 of the Births, Deaths and
Marriages Registration Act 1995 relating to the deceased
(ii) an order made by a coroner under section 101 authorising the
disposal of the remains,
(iii) a certificate issued under section 51 of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act
1995 that relates to the deceased person,
(b) in relation to the disposal of the remains of a stillborn
child—any of the following documents:(i) a certificate or notice given by a medical practitioner for the
purpose of section 12 (3) of the Births,
Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995 relating to the
disposal of the remains.
101 Order authorising disposal of human remains(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 53B (1)–(3) and (5))(1) A coroner may, by order in writing, authorise the disposal of
human remains.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the order may be made by a
coroner who:(a) is holding, has held or is intending to hold an inquest in respect
of the death, or
(b) has dispensed with the holding of an inquest in respect of the
(3) If the remains are that of a stillborn child and a medical
practitioner has not certified the cause of death of the child, the order may
be made by a coroner who has been informed by a police officer of the
stillbirth and who is, after consideration of any information in the
possession of the coroner, satisfied as to the occurrence of the
stillbirth.Note. A post mortem investigation direction may be given by a coroner to
an appropriate medical investigator under section 89 (2) for the conduct of an
examination of human remains for the purpose of determining whether the
remains are those of a stillborn child.(4) If an order is made under subsection (1) authorising the disposal
of human remains and it is established at an inquest that the remains were
those of a stillborn child, the order is valid and is taken to have been made
under subsection (3).Chapter 9A Domestic Violence Death Review TeamPart 9A.1 Preliminary101A Object of ChapterThe object of this Chapter is, through the constitution of the
Domestic Violence Death Review Team, to provide for the investigation of the
causes of domestic violence deaths in New South Wales, so as to:(a) reduce the incidence of domestic violence deaths,
(b) facilitate improvements in systems and
101B Interpretation(1) In this Chapter:Child Death Review
Team means the Child Death Review Team established under Part 5A of
the Community Services (Complaints, Reviews
and Monitoring) Act 1993.Convenor means the
person appointed as Convenor of the Team under this Chapter.domestic violence
death means the death of a person that is caused directly or
indirectly by a person who was in a domestic relationship with the deceased
person.Team means the Domestic
Violence Death Review Team.(2) For the purposes of this Chapter, a case of a domestic violence
death is closed if:(a) the coroner has dispensed with or completed an inquest concerning
the death, and
(b) any criminal proceedings (including any appeals) concerning the
death have been finally determined (as defined in section 79
relationship”(1) For the purposes of this Chapter, a person was in a domestic
relationship with a deceased person if the person:(a) was or had been married to the deceased person,
(b) was or had been a de facto partner of the deceased person,
(c) had or has had an intimate personal relationship with the deceased
person, whether or not the intimate relationship involved or had involved a
relationship of a sexual nature, or
(d) was or had been a relative of the deceased person and there have
been previous episodes of domestic violence between them,
(e) in the case of an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander,
was or had been part of the extended family or kin of the deceased person
according to the Indigenous kinship system of the person’s culture,
(f) was in any other relationship with the deceased person of a kind
(2) For the purposes of this Chapter, a person was a relative of a
deceased person if the person was or is:(a) a father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, step-father,
step-mother, father-in-law or mother-in-law, or
(b) a son, daughter, grandson, grand-daughter, step-son,
step-daughter, son-in-law or daughter-in-law, or
(c) a brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, step-brother,
step-sister, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, or
(d) an uncle, aunt, uncle-in-law or aunt-in-law,
(e) a nephew or niece, or
(f) a cousin,
of the deceased person, or of the spouse or a de facto partner of the
deceased person.Part 9A.2 Constitution and procedure of the Team101D Establishment of TeamThe Domestic Violence Death Review Team is constituted by this
Act.101E Members of Team(1) The Team is to consist of the Convenor of the Team and other
persons appointed by the Minister.(2) The Minister is to appoint as Convenor of the Team the State
Coroner, a Deputy State Coroner or a former State Coroner or Deputy State
Coroner.(3) The Team is to include representatives of each of the
following:(a) the Department of Human Services,
(b) the Department of Health,
(c) the Department of Premier and Cabinet,
(e) the Department of Education and Training,
(f) the Department of Justice and Attorney
(g) Community Services, within the Department of Human
(h) Aboriginal Affairs NSW, within the Department of Human
(i) Housing NSW, within the Department of Human
(j) Juvenile Justice, within the Department of Human
(k) Ageing, Disability and Home Care, within the Department of Human
(4) Each representative referred to in subsection (3) is to be
nominated by the Minister responsible for the organisation
concerned.(5) In addition, the Team is to include the following persons:(a) 2 non-government service provider
(b) 2 persons who, in the opinion of the Minister, have expertise
appropriate to the functions of the Team.
(6) The Minister is to appoint 1 person who is an Aboriginal person or
a Torres Strait Islander and who is a non-government service provider
representative as a member of the Team.(7) The Team must consist of not less than 15 members (in addition to
the Convenor) and not more than 19 members (in addition to the Convenor) at
any one time.(8) A person who is a member of the Legislative Council or the
Legislative Assembly is not eligible to be a member of the
Team.(9) Schedule 3 contains provisions with respect to the members and
procedure of the Team.Part 9A.3 Functions of the TeamDivision 1 General functions101F Functions of Team(1) The Team has the following functions:(a) to review closed cases of domestic violence deaths occurring in
(b) to analyse data to identify patterns and trends relating to such
(c) to make recommendations as to legislation, policies, practices and
services for implementation by government and non-government agencies and the
community to prevent or reduce the likelihood of such
(d) to establish and maintain a database (in accordance with the
regulations) about such deaths,
(e) to undertake, alone or with others, research that aims to help
prevent or reduce the likelihood of such deaths.
(2) The Team may review a domestic violence death even though the
death is or may be the subject of action by the Child Death Review
Team.(3) Any function of the Team with respect to domestic violence deaths
may be exercised with respect to the death of a person who dies outside New
South Wales while ordinarily resident in New South
Wales.(4) The Convenor may enter into an agreement or other arrangement for
the exchange of information between the Team and a person or body having
functions in another State or Territory that are substantially similar to the
functions of the Team, being information relevant to the exercise of the
functions of the Team or that person or body.101G Matters to be considered in reviews(1) In carrying out a review of closed cases of domestic violence
deaths, the Team is to consider the following matters:(a) the events leading up to the death of the deceased
(b) any interaction with, and the effectiveness of, any support or
other services provided for, or available to, victims and perpetrators of
(c) the general availability of any such services,
(d) any failures in systems or services that may have contributed to,
or failed to prevent, the domestic violence deaths.
(2) This section does not limit the matters that the Team may consider
or examine in any review of closed cases of domestic violence
deaths.101H Referral of cases for review to Team(1) The Team may select the domestic violence death cases that are to
be the subject of a review by the Team.(2) Any person may refer a closed case of a domestic violence death to
the Team for inclusion in a review. The Team may, but is not required to,
select any such case for review.101I Appointment of expert advisers(1) The Convenor may, otherwise than under a contract of employment,
appoint persons with relevant qualifications and experience to advise the Team
in the exercise of its functions.(2) A person so appointed is entitled to be paid such remuneration and
allowances (including travelling and subsistence allowances) as may be
determined by the Minister in respect of the
person.Division 2 Reports by Team101J Reports(1) The Team must prepare, within the period of 4 months after 30 June
in each year, and furnish to the Presiding Officer of each House of
Parliament, a report on domestic violence deaths reviewed in the previous
year.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the report may include the
following:(a) identification of systemic and procedural failures that may
contribute to domestic violence deaths,
(b) recommendations as to legislation, policies, practices and
(c) details of the extent to which its previous recommendations have
101K Reporting to Parliament(1) A copy of a report furnished to the Presiding Officer of a House
of Parliament under this Part must be laid before that House on the next
sitting day of that House after it is received by the Presiding
Officer.(2) The Team may include in a report a recommendation that the report
be made public forthwith.(3) If a report includes a recommendation that a report be made public
forthwith, a Presiding Officer of a House of Parliament may make it public
whether or not that House is in session and whether or not the report has been
laid before that House.(4) A report that is made public by a Presiding Officer of a House of
Parliament before it is laid before that House attracts the same privileges
and immunities as if it had been laid before that
House.(5) A Presiding Officer need not inquire whether all or any of the
conditions precedent have been satisfied as regards a report purporting to
have been furnished in accordance with this Part.(6) In this Part, a reference to a Presiding Officer of a House of
Parliament is a reference to the President of the Legislative Council or the
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. If there is a vacancy in the office of
President, the reference to the President is taken to be a reference to the
Clerk of the Legislative Council and, if there is a vacancy in the office of
the Speaker, the reference to the Speaker is taken to be a reference to the
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.Part 9A.4 Access to and confidentiality of
information101L Duty of persons to assist Team(1) It is the duty of each of the following persons to provide the
Team with full and unrestricted access to records that are under the
person’s control, or whose production the person may, in an official
capacity, reasonably require, being records to which the Team reasonably
requires access for the purpose of exercising its functions:(a) the Department Head, chief executive officer or senior member of
any department of the Government, statutory body or local
(c) a coroner,
(d) a medical practitioner or health care professional who, or the
head of a body which, delivers health services,
(e) a person who, or the head of a body which, delivers welfare
(2) A person subject to that duty is not required to provide access to
records if the person reasonably considers that doing so may prejudice an
existing investigation or inquiry of a matter under an Act being undertaken by
or for the person.(3) Access to which the Team is entitled under subsection (1) includes
the right to inspect and, on request, to be provided with copies of, any
record referred to in that subsection and to inspect any non-documentary
evidence associated with any such record.(4) A provision of any Act or law that restricts or denies access to
records does not prevent a person subject to a duty under subsection (1) from
complying, or affect the person’s ability to comply, with that
subsection.(5) The regulations may make provision with respect to the duty to
provide access to records under subsection (1), including prescribing
limitations and conditions on that duty.(6) In this section, record means any
document or other source of information compiled, recorded or stored in
written form or on film, or by electronic process, or in any other manner or
by other means.101M Confidentiality of information(1) A Team-related person must not make a record of, or directly or
indirectly disclose to any person, any information (including the contents of
any document) that was acquired by the person by reason of being a
Team-related person, unless:(a) the record or disclosure is made in good faith for the purpose of
exercising a function under this Chapter, or
(b) the record or disclosure is authorised to be made by the Convenor
in connection with research that is undertaken for the purpose of helping to
prevent or reduce the likelihood of domestic violence deaths in New South
(c) the record or disclosure is made by the Convenor for the purpose
of:(i) providing information to the Commissioner of Police in connection
with a possible criminal offence, or
(ii) reporting to the Director-General of the Department of Human
Services that a child or class of children may be at risk of harm,
(iii) providing information to the State Coroner that may relate to a
death that is within the jurisdiction of the State Coroner, whether or not the
death has been the subject of an inquest under this Act,
(iv) providing information to the Child Death Review Team in connection
with that Team’s functions, or
(v) providing information to the Ombudsman concerning the death of a
person that is relevant to the exercise of any of the Ombudsman’s
(vi) giving effect to any agreement or other arrangement entered into
under this Chapter or with coroners in other jurisdictions for the exchange of
(vii) providing information to a national database compiled for the
purposes of, and contributed to by, coroners of States and Territories,
(d) the record or disclosure is made by a member of the Team to a
Minister, or to a Department Head, chief executive officer or senior member of
any department of the Government or a statutory body, in connection with a
draft report prepared for the purpose of this
or both.(2) A Team-related person who makes a record or disclosure that is
authorised under this section in connection with research that is undertaken
for the purpose of helping to prevent or reduce the likelihood of domestic
violence deaths in New South Wales must ensure that the information does not
identify a person who is the subject of the
information.(3) A Team-related person is not required:(a) to produce to any court any document or other thing that has come
into the person’s possession, custody or control, or
(b) to reveal to any court any information that has come to the
person’s notice,
by reason of being a Team-related person.(4) Any authority or person to whom any information referred to in
subsection (1) is revealed, and any person or employee under the control of
that authority or person:(a) is subject to the same obligations and liabilities under
subsections (1) and (2), and
(b) enjoys the same rights and privileges under subsection
in respect of that information as if he or she were a Team-related person
who had acquired the information for the purpose of the exercise of the
functions of the Team. Failure to comply with obligations and liabilities
referred to in this subsection is taken to be a contravention of subsection
(1).(5) In this section:court includes any
tribunal or person having power to require the production of documents or the
answering of questions.produce includes
permit access to.Team-related
person means a member of the Team, a member of staff of the Team and
any person engaged to assist the Team in the exercise of its functions,
including persons appointed under section 101I.Part 9A.5 Miscellaneous101N Execution of documentsA document required to be executed by the Team in the exercise of
its functions is sufficiently executed if it is signed by the Convenor or
another member authorised by the Convenor.101O Protection from liability(1) A matter or thing done or omitted by the Team, a member of the
Team or a person acting under the direction of the Team does not, if the
matter or thing was done or omitted in good faith for the purposes of
executing this or any other Act, subject the member of the Team or person so
acting personally to any action, claim or demand in respect of that matter or
thing.(2) However, any such liability attaches instead to the
Crown.101P Review of Chapter(1) The Minister is to review this Chapter to determine whether the
policy objectives of this Chapter remain valid and whether the terms of this
Chapter remain appropriate for securing those
objectives.(2) The review is to be undertaken as soon as possible after the
period of 3 years from the commencement of this
Chapter.(3) A report on the outcome of the review is to be tabled in each
years.Chapter 10 Miscellaneous102 Assistance to and from coroners in other
jurisdictions(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 54A)(1) The State Coroner may request in writing that the person holding a
corresponding office in another State or a Territory provide assistance in
connection with the exercise by the State Coroner or another coroner of any
power under this Act.(2) The State Coroner, at the written request of the person holding a
corresponding office in another State or a Territory, may provide assistance
to that person or a coroner of that State or Territory in connection with the
exercise of a power under the law of that State or
Territory.(3) For the purpose of providing assistance, the State Coroner or a
coroner may exercise any of his or her powers under this Act irrespective of
whether he or she would, apart from this section, have authority to exercise
that power.Note. The State Coroner has, in addition to all the powers of a coroner,
a general function of overseeing and coordinating coronial services and
ensuring that inquests and other investigations are held. The assistance
provided may involve the exercise of administrative powers by the State
Coroner or the exercise by him or her or another coroner of coronial
powers.(4) For the purposes of this section, this Act applies as if the
matter that is the subject of the request or direction were the subject of an
investigation under this Act.103 Contempt(cf Coroners Act 1980, s 43)(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the provisions of section 24
of the Local Court Act 2007
are taken to apply to coronial proceedings as if any reference in those
provisions to the Local Court or Magistrate were a reference to the coroner or
assistant coroner conducting the coronial
proceedings.(2) An assistant coroner conducting coronial proceedings cannot
exercise a power conferred by subsection (1) to deal with a contempt or
alleged contempt in the proceedings, but must instead refer the matter to a
coroner for determination.(3) A coroner to whom a contempt matter in coronial proceedings is
referred under subsection (2) may determine the matter as if the contempt or
alleged contempt had been committed while the coroner was conducting the
proceedings.104 Regulations(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 58)(1) The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act,
respect to any of the following matters:(a) the conduct of and procedure for coronial
(b) the functions of the State Coroner and of the Deputy State
(c) forms to be used under this Act,
(d) the allowance to be paid to witnesses attending coronial
(e) the constitution, functions, procedure and other matters relating
to the Domestic Violence Death Review Team.
(3) Without limiting subsection (1), the regulations may make
provision for or with respect to the use of an electronic case management
system whose use, in respect of coronial proceedings, is authorised by an
order in force under clause 3 of Schedule 1 to the Electronic Transactions Act 2000,
including provisions for or with respect to:(a) the kinds of coronial proceedings in respect of which that system
may or must be used, and
(b) the kinds of documents that may or must be filed in connection
with coronial proceedings by means of that system, and
(c) the kinds of documents that may or must be issued in connection
(d) the practice and procedure to be followed in connection with
documents that are filed or issued by means of that system,
(e) the persons to whom, the circumstances in which and the conditions
on which access may be given to information contained on that system in
connection with coronial proceedings.
(4) The regulations may create offences punishable by a penalty not
exceeding 5 penalty units.105 Service or giving of documents(1) A document that is authorised or required by this Act or the
regulations to be served on or given to any person may be served or
given:(a) in the case of a natural person:(i) by delivering it to the person personally, or
person in any other manner.106 Nature of proceedings for offences(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 54 (2))Proceedings for an offence under this Act or the regulations may
be dealt with summarily before the Local Court.107 Offences by corporations(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 45 (5) and (6))(1) If a corporation contravenes any provision of this Act or the
concerned in the management of the corporation is taken to have contravened
the same provision if the person knowingly authorised or permitted the
regulations.108 (Repealed)109 Review of Act(1) The Minister is to review this Act to determine whether the policy
years.Schedule 1 Provisions relating to coronial
officersPart 1 State Coroner and Deputy State Coroners1 Application of Public
Sector Employment and Management Act 2002(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 4A (9))The Public Sector Employment and
Management Act 2002 (including Chapter 5 of that Act) does not
apply to or in respect of the appointment or employment of the State Coroner
or a Deputy State Coroner.2 Vacation of office as State Coroner or Deputy State
Coroner(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 4B)(1) A person vacates the office of State Coroner or Deputy State
Coroner if the person:(a) dies, or
(b) ceases to be a Magistrate, or
Governor, or
(d) completes the person’s term of office and is not
(2) A person does not cease to be a coroner or a Magistrate merely
because of vacating the office of State Coroner or Deputy State
Coroner.3 Remuneration(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 4C)The State Coroner and a Deputy State Coroner are entitled to be
paid:(a) remuneration in accordance with the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Act
from time to time determine in respect of each of
Part 2 Coroners and assistant coroners4 Part-time arrangements(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 5 (3))(1) A person’s appointment as a coroner:(a) if the person is a Magistrate—is taken to be on either a
full-time or part-time basis, according to whether the person holds the office
of Magistrate on a full-time or part-time basis, or
(b) if the person is not a Magistrate—is taken to be an
appointment on a full-time basis unless the appointment is expressed, in the
person’s instrument of appointment, to be on a part-time
(2) A coroner who is not a Magistrate, although not appointed on a
part-time basis, may, by agreement in writing entered into with the State
Coroner, exercise the functions of the office of coroner on a part-time
basis.5 Vacation of office as an appointed coroner or assistant
1980, ss 5A (3) and 6A (1)–(3))(1) A person appointed to the office of coroner or assistant coroner
vacates that office if the person:(a) dies, or
(b) resigns the office by instrument in writing addressed to the
(c) ceases to hold office as such by operation of clause 6,
(d) is removed from office, or
(e) in the case of a person holding office for a term—completes
the person’s term of office and is not re-appointed,
(f) in the case of a person holding office as a coroner (but without
limiting paragraphs (a)–(e)):(i) ceases to be qualified for appointment as a coroner for the
purposes of section 12, or
(ii) attains the age of 72 years where the person was appointed to the
office before attaining that age, or
(g) in the case of a person holding office as an assistant coroner
(but without limiting paragraphs (a)–(e)):(i) is appointed as a coroner, or
(ii) ceases to be a member of staff of the Attorney General’s
(2) A person who is a Magistrate does not cease to be a Magistrate
merely because of vacating the office of coroner or assistant
coroner.6 Oaths or affirmations to be taken or made by coroners and
assistant coroners(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 7)(1) A person appointed as a coroner who is not a Magistrate must not
act as a coroner unless the person has:(a) taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance and the judicial oath
prescribed by the Oaths Act
1900 or made and subscribed solemn affirmations in the form of
those oaths, and
(b) transmitted them to the Minister.
(2) A person appointed as an assistant coroner must not act as an
assistant coroner unless the person has:(a) taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance prescribed by the
Oaths Act 1900 or made and
subscribed a solemn affirmation in the form of that oath,
(b) transmitted it to the Minister.
(3) Any such oath or affirmation may be taken or made before and may
be administered and received by any Magistrate.(4) A person appointed as a coroner who does not, within 3 months
after appointment as a coroner, take the oaths or make the affirmations
referred to in subclause (1) ceases to hold office as coroner when that period
ends.(5) A person appointed as an assistant coroner who does not, within 3
months after appointment as an assistant coroner, take the oath or make the
affirmation referred to in subclause (2) ceases to hold office as assistant
coroner when that period ends.7 Remuneration(1) A person appointed as a coroner or assistant coroner who is a
public servant is not entitled, while a public servant, to be paid any
remuneration for acting as a coroner or assistant coroner that is in addition
to his or her remuneration as a public servant.(2) A person appointed as a coroner or assistant coroner who is not a
public servant is entitled to be paid such remuneration, and such travelling
and subsistence allowances, as the Minister may from time to time
determine.(3) In this clause:public
servant means a member of staff of a Department within the meaning
of the Public Sector Employment and
Management Act 2002.Part 3 General provisions8 DefinitionsIn this Part, coronial officer means any
of the following:(a) the State Coroner,
(b) a Deputy State Coroner,
(c) a coroner appointed under this Act,
(d) a Magistrate exercising coronial jurisdiction conferred on the
Magistrate by section 16,
(e) an assistant coroner,
and coronial
office has a corresponding meaning.9 Effect of appointment and service as coroner(cf Coroners Act
1980, s 4A (6) and (8))(1) Except as provided by section 7 (6), the appointment of a
Magistrate as a coronial officer does not affect the Magistrate’s tenure
of office, rank, title, status or precedence as a
Magistrate.(2) The service of a Magistrate as a coronial officer is taken, for
all purposes, to be service as a Magistrate.10 Continuation of proceedings after vacation of
office(1) A person who vacates office as a coronial officer otherwise than
by death or having been removed from office may, despite vacating his or her
office, continue to hear and determine and otherwise deal with any proceedings
that have been heard, or partly heard, by the person before vacating his or
her office.(2) While a person continues to deal with, under subclause (1), any
proceedings that have been heard or partly heard by the person before vacating
office, the person has all the entitlements and functions of a coronial
officer that the person had immediately before vacating office and, for the
purpose of those proceedings, is taken to continue to be a coronial officer
holding the same coronial office as the person had immediately before vacating
office.(3) Nothing in this clause operates to authorise a person who has
vacated office as the State Coroner to continue to exercise the functions of
the State Coroner generally.Schedule 2 Savings, transitional and other
transitional nature consequent on the enactment of the following Acts:this ActCoroners Amendment (Domestic
Violence Death Review Team) Act 2010any other Act that amends this Act(2) If the regulations so provide, any such provision may:(a) have effect despite any specified provision of this Act (including
a provision of this Schedule), and
(b) take effect from the date of assent to the Act concerned or a
(3) To the extent to which any such provision takes effect from a date
Act means the Coroners Act
1980.repeal
day means the day on which the former Act is repealed by this
Act.Division 2 Provisions relating to existing coronial
officers3 Current State Coroner and Deputy State Coroners(1) A person who immediately before the repeal day held office as the
State Coroner under the former Act is taken, on and from that day, to have
been appointed and to hold office as the State Coroner under this Act until
such time as he or she vacates office under this
Act.(2) A person who immediately before the repeal day held office as a
Deputy State Coroner under the former Act is taken, on and from that day, to
have been appointed and to hold office as a Deputy State Coroner under this
Act until such time as he or she vacates office under this
Act.(3) A person to whom subclause (1) or (2) applies is taken to have
been appointed to the office of the State Coroner or a Deputy State Coroner
(as the case may be) under this Act for the balance of the term of office for
which the person was appointed under the former
Act.4 Senior Deputy State Coroner(1) The office of Senior Deputy State Coroner is abolished on the
repeal day.(2) Any Deputy State Coroner who, immediately before the repeal day,
held office as the Senior Deputy State Coroner under the former Act ceases on
and from that day to hold that office.(3) A person who, by operation of this clause, ceases to hold office
as the Senior Deputy State Coroner:(a) is not entitled to any remuneration or compensation because of the
(b) continues to hold the office of a Deputy State Coroner under this
Act until such time as the person vacates that
5 Current appointed coroners and assistant
coroners(1) Any person who immediately before the repeal day held office as a
coroner appointed under the former Act:(a) in the case of a person who is either a Magistrate or an
Australian lawyer—is taken, on and from the repeal day, to have been
appointed and to hold office as a coroner under this Act until such time as he
or she vacates office under this Act, or
(b) in the case of a person who is neither a Magistrate nor an
Australian lawyer (but is a member of staff of the Attorney General’s
Department)—ceases to hold office as a coroner on the repeal day and is
taken, on and from that day, to have been appointed and to hold office as an
assistant coroner under this Act until such time as he or she vacates office
(c) in the case of a person who is neither a Magistrate nor an
Australian lawyer and is not a member of staff of the Attorney General’s
Department—ceases to hold office as a coroner on the repeal
(2) Any person who immediately before the repeal day held office as an
assistant coroner under the former Act:(a) in the case of a person who is a member of staff of the Attorney
General’s Department—is taken, on and from the repeal day, to have
been appointed and to hold office as an assistant coroner under this Act until
such time as he or she vacates office under this Act, or
(b) in any other case—ceases to hold office as an assistant
coroner on the repeal day.
(3) If a person to whom subclause (1) (a) or (b) applies was appointed
as a coroner under the former Act for a specified term, the person is taken to
have been appointed to the office of coroner or assistant coroner (as the case
may be) under this Act for the balance of that
term.(4) Any person who ceases to hold office as a coroner or assistant
coroner by operation of this clause is not entitled to any compensation
because of the loss of that office.(5) The State Coroner may give such directions as the State Coroner
considers appropriate (whether generally or specifically) with respect
to:(a) the transfer to other coroners or assistant coroners of matters
that were being dealt with by persons who have ceased to be coroners or
assistant coroners by operation of this clause, and
(b) the continuation and resolution of proceedings arising from or
involving such matters.
6 Current Coronial Medical OfficersAny person who immediately before the repeal day held office as a
Coronial Medical Officer for the purposes of the former Act is taken, on and
from that day, to have been appointed and to be a Coronial Medical Officer for
the purposes of this Act until such time as he or she vacates office as
such.7 Existing commissions and other instruments that appoint
persons to office on or after repeal day(1) A commission or other instrument of appointment made under or for
the purposes of the former Act (an existing
appointment instrument) that, but for the repeal of the former Act,
would have operated on or after the repeal day to appoint a person to the
office of State Coroner, a Deputy State Coroner, a coroner or an assistant
coroner is taken on and from that day to have been issued under or for the
purposes of this Act.(2) An existing appointment instrument operates, on the day specified
in the instrument, to appoint the person named in the instrument:(a) in the case of the appointment of a person to the office of
coroner where the person is not a Magistrate or Australian lawyer (but is a
member of staff of the Attorney General’s Department)—to the
office of assistant coroner under this Act, and
(b) in any other case (but subject to subclause (3))—to the
office under this Act that corresponds to the office specified in the
(3) An existing appointment instrument has no force or effect for the
purposes of this Act if it provides for:(a) the appointment of a person to the office of coroner where that
person is not a Magistrate or Australian lawyer and not a member of staff of
the Attorney General’s Department, or
(b) the appointment of a person to the office of assistant coroner
where that person is not a member of staff of the Attorney General’s
8 Oaths of office required for certain coronial officers
appointed before repeal dayClause 6 of Schedule 1 extends to a person appointed as a coroner
or assistant coroner under the former Act who has not taken the oaths or made
the affirmations required of them by section 7 of that Act as in force
immediately before the repeal day.Division 3 Reports and death certificates9 Reporting of deaths occurring before repeal day(1) A person who, immediately before the repeal day, had not complied
with an obligation to report a death or suspected death imposed on the person
by section 12A of the former Act is taken on and from the repeal day to be
under an obligation to report the death or suspected death under section
35.(2) Nothing in subclause (1) prevents a person from being prosecuted
or convicted for a contravention of section 12A (1) of the former Act that
occurred before the repeal day.10 Death certificates in relation to deaths occurring before
repeal daySection 12B of the former Act, as in force immediately before the
repeal day, continues to apply in relation to the giving of certificates as to
the cause of any death that occurred before the repeal
day.11 Provision of information to OmbudsmanThe repeal of section 12A of the former Act does not affect any
obligation that the State Coroner may have had under that section immediately
before the repeal day to provide relevant material to the
Ombudsman.12 Annual reports on deaths in custodyThe State Coroner is to include in his or her first annual report
to the Minister under section 37 any details of deaths or suspected deaths
occurring before the repeal day that the State Coroner would have had to
include in a report under section 12A (4) of the former Act had the former Act
not been repealed.Division 4 Jurisdiction and current proceedings13 Jurisdiction in relation to matters occurring before
repeal day(1) Any death or suspected death that occurred (or is suspected to
have occurred), or any fire or explosion that occurred, before the repeal day
is examinable under this Act if it would have been examinable under the former
Act had the former Act not been repealed.(2) If any such death, suspected death, fire or explosion would have
been examinable under the former Act only by the State Coroner or a Deputy
State Coroner, it continues to be examinable only by the State Coroner or a
Deputy State Coroner under this Act.(3) Nothing in this clause prevents a matter being examinable under a
provision of this Act even if the matter would not have been examinable under
the former Act.14 Pending or part completed inquests or inquiries(1) Subject to this Part and the regulations, this Act applies in
relation to any inquest or inquiry under the former Act that was pending or
part completed immediately before the repeal day (a current inquest
or inquiry) in the same way as this Act applies to an inquest or
inquiry that is commenced on or after the repeal
day.(2) Without limiting subclause (1), the provisions of this Act dealing
with functions of or in relation to juries extend to any current inquest or
inquiry that was being held before a jury (or was required to be held before a
jury under section 18 of the former Act) immediately before the repeal day as
if:(a) a direction for the use of the jury had been given by the State
Coroner under section 48 of this Act, and
(b) in the case where the coroner for the current inquest or inquiry
is not the State Coroner—section 48 of this Act authorised the coroner
to preside over the current inquest or inquiry with the
(3) For the purpose of facilitating the continuation and conclusion of
a current inquest or inquiry, the coroner holding the inquest or inquiry may
give such directions concerning the conduct of the inquest or inquiry as seem
appropriate to the coroner in the circumstances.15 Re-opening inquests and inquiries and use of depositions
taken in former proceedingsSubject to the regulations:(a) the provisions of this Act that enable or require a fresh inquest
or fresh inquiry to be held (or that enable or require a suspended or
terminated inquest or inquiry to be resumed or continued) extend to inquests
or inquiries that were previously held, suspended or terminated under the
former Act (or any previous Act or other law dealing with coronial inquests or
inquiries), and
(b) the provisions of this Act that enable a coroner who has dispensed
with holding an inquest or inquiry concerning a matter to subsequently hold an
inquest or inquiry concerning the matter extend to inquests or inquiries that
the coroner dispensed with under the former Act (or any previous Act or other
law dealing with coronial inquests or inquiries), and
(c) the provisions of section 64 of this Act extend to depositions
taken at any inquest or inquiry previously held under the former Act (or any
previous Act or other law dealing with coronial inquests or
16 Orders of Supreme Court under section 47 of former
Act(1) This clause applies to an order made by the Supreme Court under
section 47 of the former Act if:(a) the order is in force immediately before the repeal day,
(b) the Minister administering the former Act has not, before the
repeal day, endorsed the name of a coroner on a copy of the order for the
purposes of that section.
(2) Section 87 of this Act is taken to extend to an order to which
this clause applies as if the State Coroner had been served with the order
under that section on the repeal day.17 Existing warrants and subpoenas(1) Any warrant or subpoena in force under a provision of the former
Act immediately before the repeal day is taken, on and from that day, to be a
warrant or subpoena in force under the provision of this Act that corresponds
or substantially corresponds to the provision in the former Act, and may be
executed and enforced accordingly.(2) Without limiting subclause (1), a warrant for the apprehension of
a person in force under the former Act immediately before the repeal day is
taken, on and from that day, to be a warrant for the arrest of the person
issued under Part 6.3 of this Act, and may be executed and enforced
accordingly.Division 5 Miscellaneous18 Continuation of Coroners Regulation 2005The Coroners
Regulation 2005 is taken on and from the repeal day to be a
regulation under this Act, and may be amended and repealed
accordingly.19 References to former Act and this Act(1) In any other Act or in any instrument made under another Act (and
except as provided by subclauses (2) and (3)):(a) subject to paragraph (b), a reference to the former Act is to be
read on and from the repeal day as a reference to this Act,
(b) a reference to a provision of the former Act is to be read on and
from the repeal day as a reference to the provision or provisions (if any) of
this Act that correspond or substantially correspond to the provision of the
former Act.
(2) Subclause (1) does not apply to a reference to the former Act in
any of the following provisions:(a) Schedule 3 to the Births, Deaths
and Marriages Registration Act 1995,
(b) Schedule 1 to the Local Courts
Act 1982,
(c) Schedule 8 to the Jury Act
(d) Schedule 1 to the Subordinate
Legislation (Repeal) Act 1985,
(e) such other provisions of other Acts, or instruments made under
other Acts, as may be prescribed by the
(3) A reference to this Act in any of the following provisions is to
be read as including a reference to the former Act:(a) section 39 (2) and (4) of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act
(b) section 45U (1) (c) (iii) of the Commission for Children and Young People Act
(c) such other provisions of other Acts, or instruments made under
20 General savings provision(1) Subject to this Part and the regulations, anything done under or
for the purposes of a provision of the former Act is, to the extent that the
thing has effect immediately before the repeal day, taken on and from that day
to have been done under or for the purposes of the provision of this Act (if
any) that corresponds or substantially corresponds to the provision of the
former Act.(2) Without limiting subclause (1) (and subject to this Part and the
regulations), any dispensation, delegation, notice, notification, notation,
objection, request, order or direction in force or having effect under a
provision of the former Act immediately before the repeal day is taken on and
from that day to be a dispensation, delegation, notice, notification,
notation, objection, request, order or direction in force or having effect
under the provision of this Act (if any) that corresponds or substantially
corresponds to the provision of the former Act.Part 3 Provisions consequent on enactment of Coroners Amendment Act
201221 DefinitionIn this Part:amending
Act means the Coroners Amendment
Act 2012.22 Direction not to resume suspended inquest or
inquiryThe amendments made to section 79 by the amending Act extend to
inquests or inquiries that were suspended (but which have not yet been
resumed) before the commencement of those amendments.23 Interventions by MinisterSection 86A (as inserted by the amending Act) extends to
applications for an order under Chapter 7 made (but not finally determined)
before the commencement of the section.24 Objections by senior next of kinThe amendments made to sections 96 and 98 by the amending Act
extend to requests made (but not determined by a coroner) before the
commencement of those amendments.Schedule 3 Members and procedure of Domestic Violence Death
Review Team(Section 101E (9))1 DefinitionsIn this Schedule:Convenor means the
Convenor of the Team.member means any
member of the Team.Team means the
Domestic Violence Death Review Team.2 Terms of office of membersSubject to this Schedule, a member (other than the State Coroner
or a Deputy State Coroner) holds office for such period (not exceeding 2
years) as is specified in the member’s instrument of appointment, but is
eligible (if otherwise qualified) for re-appointment.3 RemunerationA member, other than the State Coroner, a Deputy State Coroner or
a representative of a department of the Government, the NSW Police Force or a
statutory body, is entitled to be paid such remuneration (including travelling
and subsistence allowances) as the Minister may from time to time determine in
respect of the member.4 Deputies(1) The Minister may, from time to time, appoint a person to be the
deputy of a member (including the Convenor), and the Minister may revoke any
such appointment.(2) A person is not eligible to be appointed as the deputy of a member
member is taken to be an absence of the member.5 Vacancy in office of member(1) The office of a member (other than the State Coroner or a Deputy
State Coroner) becomes vacant if the member:(a) dies, or
(d) is absent from 4 consecutive meetings of the Team of which
(h) is the subject of a communication in writing to the Minister by
the Minister that nominated the member, stating that he or she no longer
represents that organisation.
(2) The Minister may at any time remove a member (other than the
Convenor) from office.(3) The Minister may at any time remove the Convenor from
member.8 General procedure(1) The procedure for the calling of meetings of the Team and for the
regulations, to be as determined by the Convenor.(2) The Team is to meet not less than 4 times in each calendar
year.9 QuorumThe quorum for a meeting of the Team is a majority of the members
of the Team for the time being.10 Presiding member(1) The Convenor is to preside at a meeting of the
Team.(2) If both the Convenor and the deputy of the Convenor are absent
from any meeting, a member elected by the members present at the meeting is to
preside at that meeting.(3) The presiding member has a deliberative vote and, in the event of
an equality of votes, has a second or casting vote.11 VotingA decision supported by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting
of the Team at which a quorum is present is the decision of the
Team.12 Transaction of business outside meetings or by
telephone(1) The Team may, if it thinks fit, transact any of its business by
the circulation of papers among all the members of the Team for the time
members is taken to be a decision of the Team.(2) The Team may, if it thinks fit, transact any of its business at a
the Convenor and each member have the same voting rights as they have at
an ordinary meeting of the Team.(4) A resolution approved under subclause (1) is, subject to the
Team.(5) Papers may be circulated among the members for the purposes of
papers concerned.Schedule 4 (Repealed)Historical notesThe following abbreviations are used in the Historical notes:
Am amended LW legislation website Sch Schedule Cl clause No number Schs Schedules Cll clauses p page Sec section Div Division pp pages Secs sections Divs Divisions Reg Regulation Subdiv Subdivision GG Government Gazette Regs Regulations Subdivs Subdivisions Ins inserted Rep repealed Subst substituted Table of amending instrumentsCoroners Act 2009 No
41. Assented to 19.6.2009. Date of commencement, Sch 3.4
[1]–[4] excepted, 1.1.2010, sec 2 (1) and 2009 (544) LW 27.11.2009; date
of commencement of Sch 3.4 [1], 24.1.2010, sec 2 (2) (b) and 2010 (8) LW
22.1.2010; date of commencement of Sch 3.4 [2]–[4], 6.7.2009, sec 2 (3)
(b) and 2009 (313) LW 3.7.2009. This Act has been amended by Sch 3.4 to this
Act and as follows:
No 28Coroners Amendment (Domestic
Provisions) Act 2010. Assented to 28.6.2010.Date of commencement of Sch 2.19, 9.7.2010, sec 2
Provisions) Act (No 2) 2010. Assented to 29.11.2010.Date of commencement of Schs 2 and 4, 7.1.2011, sec 2
2011No 60Children Legislation Amendment
(Child Death Review Team) Act 2011. Assented to
16.11.2011.Date of commencement, assent, sec 2.
2012No 24Coroners Amendment Act
2012. Assented to 8.5.2012.Date of commencement, 29.6.2012, sec 2 and 2012 (274) LW
Sec 4Am 2010 No 19, Sch 3.25 [1] [2]; 2010 No 28, Sch 1
[1]; 2012 No 24, Sch 1 [1].Sec 5Am 2010 No 19, Sch 3.25 [3].Sec 6Am 2012 No 24, Sch 1 [2].Sec 6AIns 2012 No 24, Sch 1 [3].Sec 10Am 2010 No 28, Sch 1 [2].Sec 24Am 2009 No 41, Sch 3.4 [1].Sec 55Am 2010 No 59, Sch 2.19.Sec 65Am 2009 No 41, Sch 3.4 [2].Sec 74Am 2012 No 24, Sch 1 [4].Sec 76Am 2012 No 24, Sch 1 [5].Sec 79Am 2012 No 24, Sch 1
[6]–[8].Sec 86Am 2012 No 24, Sch 1 [9].Sec 86AIns 2012 No 24, Sch 1 [10].Sec 96Am 2012 No 24, Sch 1 [11]
[12].Sec 97Am 2012 No 24, Sch 1 [13].Sec 98Am 2012 No 24, Sch 1 [14].Chapter 9AIns 2010 No 28, Sch 1 [3].Chapter 9A, Part 9A.1Ins 2010 No 28, Sch 1 [3].Sec 101AIns 2010 No 28, Sch 1 [3].Sec 101BIns 2010 No 28, Sch 1 [3]. Am 2011 No 60, Sch
2.3.Sec 101CIns 2010 No 28, Sch 1 [3].Chapter 9A, Parts 9A.2–9A.5 (secs
101D–101P)Ins 2010 No 28, Sch 1 [3].Sec 103Am 2009 No 41, Sch 3.4 [3].Sec 104Am 2010 No 28, Sch 1 [4]; 2010 No 119, Sch
2.14.Sec 106Am 2009 No 41, Sch 3.4 [4].Sec 108Rep 1987 No 15, sec 30C.Sch 2Am 2010 No 28, Sch 1 [5]; 2012 No 24, Sch 1 [15]
[16].Sch 3Ins 2010 No 28, Sch 1 [6].Sch 3 (as originally enacted)Am 1987 No 15, sec 30C. Rep 2010 No 119, Sch
4.Sch 4Rep 1987 No 15, sec 30C.