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Coroner

The Coroner investigates deaths (reportable deaths) where a doctor does not issue a medical certificate in relation to the cause of death and also deaths of an unnatural pathology.

The Coroners Office comes under the jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court (Coronial Division) which is managed by the Chief Magistrate of Tasmania. A Magistrate by virtue of their office is a Coroner.

There are two offices in the State, one in Hobart and the other in Launceston. Each office is staffed by a Sergeant and Constable of Police who are designated Coroner's Associates and are responsible for ensuring that the administrative functions surrounding a death are completed in accordance with the Act.

The officers will also attend and investigate sudden infant deaths and hospital deaths on a 24 hour call-out basis.

A reportable death is normally investigated by police on behalf of the Coroner. At the conclusion of the investigation the coronial investigation file will be forwarded to the Coroners Office where it will be reviewed by the Coroner and a determination made as to the necessity of a formal Inquest or not.

The senior next-of-kin is always given the opportunity to view the actual investigation file prior to the Coroner making a determination.

A Coroner has five basic functions:

• Administration;
• Investigation;
• Judicial;
• Prevention;
• Education;

If the Coroner does not proceed with a formal Inquest (court room procedure) she/he may well complete their coronial function by making a finding without an Inquest. Whatever the procedure, the Coroner may, if considered necessary, make comments or recommendations with the intention of preventing deaths of a similar nature.

A Coroner's recommendation does not have any force in law.

The Coroners Act 1995 also permits the Coroner to investigate fires and or explosions and must do so if the Attorney General or Chief Magistrate directs that an investigation be held.

For further information, please contact:

Coroner's Office

Hobart: Phone (03) 6230 2181

Launceston: Phone (03) 6336 2798