How will I learn how and why my loved one died?

In Queensland, an investigation into the cause of the accident will be commenced immediately by the State Government Department known as WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY QUEENSLAND (WHSQ).
www.whs.qld.gov.au

When someone dies suddenly through an accident or for an unknown reason the police must report the death to the coroner in accordance with the CORONER'S ACT. 2003
www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Legislation.htm

Go to reprints C, scroll down to Coroners Act 2003.

What does the CORONER do?

The CORONER

1. Arranges for:
   • The death to be registered.
   • The paper work allowing the FUNERAL to take place.
2. Investigates all deaths reported to him/her to try to understand:
   • How the death occurred
   • The circumstances surrounding and contributing to the death.
3. At the close of the investigation the coroner:
   • Sets out the facts of his /her findings.
   • Reports the lessons to be learnt from the findings.
   • Recommends changes to the workplace to try to avoid such an accident happening again.
   • Informs the government of the findings.
   • Decides whether there will be a CORONIAL INQUEST

What is the Coronial process?

After a workplace death the coroner may order an autopsy/post-mortem if he/she believes it is necessary to determine the cause of death. Once the post mortem is complete the coroner will usually allow the deceased's body to be moved to a FUNERAL PARLOUR of your choice. The coroner will arrange the paper work required for this to happen.

www.health.qld.gov.au/qhpss/coroners.asp. "Dealing with the Coroner".

What will an AUTOPSY/POST-MORTEM involve?

The Autopsy is a step by step examination of the outside and inside of the deceased person's body.

A medical doctor, called a pathologist will perform the autopsy.

The thought of this procedure being carried out may be very distressing to you but without this examination it would be difficult to establish the actual cause of death.

This procedure will be explained to you or you will be given an explanatory brochure. If the Postmortem takes place in a hospital the staff will speak with you.

If the body has been removed to the Government Mortuary known as the John Tonge Centre, the Police Coronial Support Unit Staff or the Counsellors will talk with you.

For further information on Autopsies/Postmortem, see the Queensland Health Scientific Services web site.
www.health.qld.gov.au/qhpss/autopsies.asp

Can I refuse the AUTOPSY?

The CORONERS ACT 2003 www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Legislation.htm has no provision for objection or appeal.
Under the Act the Coroner does not have to seek consent. The Coroner however will usually try to give consideration to the wishes of the family of the deceased if they strongly object. This will depend on the circumstances of the death and may still involve a limited autopsy.

Following the Autopsy the Coroner may request a CORONIAL INQUEST.

What will the CORONIAL INQUEST involve?

A coronial inquest is a court hearing conducted by the CORONER in the Coroner's court. www.courts.qld.gov.au
The purpose of a coronial inquest is to:

• To establish where, when and how the death occurred.
• To identify persons (if any) to be charged with certain offences.
• Identify the deceased person if the identity is not known.

The CORONER may call several witnesses to give evidence on oath.

Family members may be asked to make a statement to the police about their knowledge of the circumstances of the death.

On reading your statement the coroner will decide whether you or the family have to attend court to give further evidence. You will be notified if you are required to do so.

If you or any person have sufficient interest in the inquest you can apply to the coroner to appear in person or be legally represented at the inquest.

While inquests are generally open to the public, in certain circumstances the coroner can decide who can attend.

At the conclusion of the inquest the coroner will report his findings to the government and the family and may make recommendations for any changes in the workplace.

The Coroners office can arrange support services for you

• To support you at the time of the postmortem
• To explain the Coronial process
• To help you prepare for the inquest
• To refer you to grief counsellors or other services.

In Brisbane phone the :

Other useful contact numbers.

The POLICE CORONIAL SUPPORT UNIT
07 3274 9197

The counsellors at the John Tonge Centre in Brisbane
07 3274 9200

Industrial Death Support Advocacy (IDSA)

Can I request a CORONIAL INQUEST if the Coroner does not do so?

If no inquest is requested by the CORONER the relatives of the deceased or a person that the CORONER determines has sufficient interest in the death, may request an inquest. To seek advice on how to make this request, telephone the CORONERS COURT in your area.
See CORONERS COURT in the White Pages under "Queensland Courts".

Last Updated - Mon 04th 2006f September 2006 15:06:01

Go to top of page