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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 Date Coroner Sort descending Related orders and rulings Responses to recommendations
    Wilhelm Paul Koeppen COR 2013 5308 Finding into death with inquest 11/07/2018 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Catherine Elizabeth Browning COR 2013 5843 Finding into death without inquest 09/12/2016 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Dermot Michael O'Toole COR 2013 3056 Finding into death with inquest 08/06/2017 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Leigh Glenn Travaglia COR 2009 3998 Finding into death with inquest 14/02/2012 Deputy State Coroner Iain West
    Luke Andrew Hyatt COR 2012 5435 Finding into death with inquest 16/12/2013 Deputy State Coroner Iain West
    William John Colhoun COR 2008 5618 Finding into death with inquest 15/08/2013 Deputy State Coroner Iain West
    Seker Yildiz COR 2015 2302 Finding into death without inquest 15/02/2019 Deputy State Coroner Iain West
    Claire Kathleen Fogarty COR 2011 0004 Finding into death with inquest 25/01/2012 Deputy State Coroner Iain West
    Paul Taylor COR 2011 0515 Finding into death with inquest 25/07/2011 Deputy State Coroner Iain West
    Margaret Elizabeth Barton COR 2015 1527 Finding into death without inquest 30/11/2017 Deputy State Coroner Iain West