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Findings

A written finding is a formal document handed down by a coroner following an investigation into a death or fire and is generally the final step in the coronial investigation process. A written finding is made regardless of whether an inquest is held or not.

A written finding following an investigation into a death will usually, if possible, include:

  • the identity of the person who died
  • the time, date, and location where the death occurred
  • a summary of the evidence relating to the circumstances of the death, in some cases
  • comments or recommendations made by the coroner aimed at preventing similar deaths, in some cases.

Findings are published when:

  • an inquest was held
  • recommendations have been made
  • a coroner otherwise orders they be published.

Findings handed down and published are available below.

Search older findings on the Australasian Legal Information Institute database (AustLII).

Please consider that it may be upsetting to read details about a death or fire in an inquest finding. Some information may be graphic or distressing.

Use the search field above to locate a finding. You can search for a name, a case number, type of death or location of death.

Any person may apply for some or all of a finding to be reviewed and/or appealed.

    Recommendations

    The Coroners Act 2008 allows a coroner to make recommendations as part of their finding following an investigation into a death or fire.

    Recommendations can be made to any Minister, public statutory authority or entity that may help prevent similar deaths. A public statutory authority or entity who receives a recommendation from a coroner must respond, in writing, within three months stating what action, if any, has or will be taken.

    The Court will publish inquest findings with recommendations and the subsequent responses below.

    Findings list

    Name Case ID Case type Sort descending Date Coroner Related orders and rulings Responses to recommendations
    Robyn Joy Wanstall COR 2012 2208 Finding into death with inquest 12/08/2013 Coroner Audrey Jamieson
    David Lay COR 2001 2245 Finding into death with inquest 08/12/2016 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Denis Stephen Kelly COR 2001 2310 Finding into death with inquest 01/05/2014 Coroner Caitlin English
    Antony Russell Barns COR 2007 2429 Finding into death with inquest 15/03/2011 Coroner John Olle
    Jock William Brunton Rial COR 2009 2490 Finding into death with inquest 06/07/2010 Coroner Stella Stuthridge
    Donald Edward Paterson COR 2011 2623 Finding into death with inquest 10/10/2012 Coroner Audrey Jamieson
    Felix Hua COR 2009 2742 Finding into death with inquest 28/11/2013 Coroner Heather Spooner
    Lloyd Felman COR 2008 2867 Finding into death with inquest 11/09/2014 Coroner Jacqui Hawkins
    Unknown Remains COR 2010 3520 Finding into death with inquest 21/03/2011 Coroner Kim M. W. Parkinson
    Jonathan Mark Smith COR 2013 3579 Finding into death with inquest 20/05/2014 Coroner Caitlin English