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Obligations to Report

People who must report

Some deaths are brought to the attention of the coroner because they meet the definition of a reportable or reviewable death and there is a legal requirement under the Coroners Act 2008 to report them.

People who must advise the coroner of a reportable or reviewable death include:

• a medical practitioner who was present at or after the death
• police or prison officer who was attempting to take a person who died into custody
• any person who had care or custody of a person in placed care
• a medical practitioner who was present at or after the death of a child that may constitute a reviewable death.

General obligations to report

Anyone who thinks a reportable or reviewable death has occurred and the court has not been advised should report the death without delay.

The immediate family of a person who has died may also report the death to the coroner if the person who has died was discharged from an approved mental health service within three months of the death occurring.

For further information, or to report a death contact us on 1300 309 519.