Message from the State Coroner
4 November 2009
The coronial system of Victoria plays an important role in Victorian society.
The role involves the independent investigation of deaths and fires to endeavour to find out their cause and to contribute to the reduction of the number of preventable deaths and fires across the state
It was with great anticipation that I welcomed the commencement of the new Coroners Court Act 2008 on Sunday 1 November, making the Coroners Court of Victoria the first inquisitorial court of its kind in Australia.
The Act brings with it a number of significant changes that we hope will create a new modern coronial system for all Victorians.
Underpinning the new Act is a clear set of objectives to ensure we continue to strive, encourage and achieve practices that, in particular, acknowledge the distress of families and their need for support following a death and a recognition that different cultures have different beliefs and practices surrounding death.
Notably a requirement of the new Act enshrines in statute a requirement that all inquest findings and recommendations be published on the internet, unless otherwise ordered by a coroner.
I believe this is an important step towards promoting a coronial system, which is both more transparent and accessible to the Victorian community.
The new Act also requires that any Minister, public statutory authority or entity receiving a coronial recommendation must respond within three months of receiving stating what action, if any, they have or will take.
The response requirement of our new Act is a Victorian first and was made in recognition of the serious and important contributions our coronial system makes in the areas of public health and safety and the administration justice.
It has both been a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of this historic development of our coronial system.
State Coroner
Judge Jennifer Coate