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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 ascending Date Coroner Related orders and rulings Responses to recommendations
    Wye River and Separation Creek, Victoria COR 2016 0308 Finding into fire without inquest 23/05/2018 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Kilmore East Fire COR 2009 1496 Finding into fire without inquest 23/02/2016 State Coroner Judge Ian L Gray
    Bendigo Maiden Gully Bushfires COR 2009 1497 Finding into fire without inquest 07/06/2013 State Coroner Judge Ian L Gray
    Murrindindi Fire COR 2009 1498 Finding into fire without inquest 27/11/2015 State Coroner Judge Ian L Gray
    Wye River and Separation Creek Wye River and Separation Creek Fire COR 2016 0308 Finding into fire without inquest 23/05/2018 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Japanese Screens and Interiors Fire COR 2007 4864 Finding into fire with inquest 23/08/2010 Coroner Heather Spooner
    Wingeel Plains Fire COR 2005 4668 Finding into fire with inquest 04/04/2011 Coroner Peter White
    Daniel Flinn COR 2016 0442 Finding into fire with inquest 11/02/2020 Coroner Audrey Jamieson
    Stanley Hayhurst COR 2013 0294 Finding into fire with inquest 11/01/2019 Deputy State Coroner Iain West
    IL Gambero Restaurant Fire COR 2009 4103 Finding into fire with inquest 23/11/2015 Coroner Audrey Jamieson