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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
    Sabrina Michelle Brady COR 2009 2038 Finding into death with inquest 30/03/2011 Coroner Heather Spooner
    Frederick Russell Morgan COR 2013 2106 Finding into death with inquest 13/08/2014 Coroner Audrey Jamieson
    Reginald John Brooks COR 2014 2170 Finding into death with inquest 15/03/2016 Coroner Phillip Byrne
    Damien John Spooner COR 2009 2211 Finding into death with inquest 28/10/2013 State Coroner Judge Ian L Gray
    Narelle Ena Clancy COR 2011 2317 Finding into death with inquest 07/05/2015 Coroner Audrey Jamieson
    Kathryn Margaret Ray COR 2005 2434 Finding into death with inquest 26/06/2014 Coroner Audrey Jamieson
    Leigh Joseph Riley COR 2015 2490 Finding into death with inquest 31/08/2016 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Andrew Gilmore COR 2009 2564 Finding into death with inquest 27/11/2013 Coroner Kim M. W. Parkinson
    Unknown Remains Comprising Human Cranium COR 2009 2745 Finding into death with inquest 23/03/2010 Coroner Kim M. W. Parkinson
    Dara Francis Michael Cooke COR 2008 2868 Finding into death with inquest 17/11/2012 Coroner Audrey Jamieson