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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 Sort ascending Coroner Related orders and rulings Responses to recommendations
    Brooke Smith COR 2017 6378 Finding into death without inquest 12/09/2018 Coroner Peter White
    Robert James Wright COR 2017 3270 Finding into death without inquest 03/09/2018 Coroner Michelle Hodgson
    David William Lobb COR 2014 3256 Finding into death with inquest 31/08/2018 Deputy State Coroner Paresa Spanos
    Barry Lawrence Purtell COR 2014 3017 Finding into death with inquest 31/08/2018 Deputy State Coroner Paresa Spanos
    Andrew John O'Dwyer COR 2015 4647 Finding into death without inquest 30/08/2018 Coroner Caitlin English
    PH COR 2017 0425 Finding into death without inquest 27/08/2018 Coroner Michelle Hodgson
    Bevan James Murrowood COR 2017 2908 Finding into death without inquest 27/08/2018 Coroner Michelle Hodgson
    Adrian Paul Gibb COR 2017 1147 Finding into death without inquest 27/08/2018 Coroner Michelle Hodgson
    Sonia Sofianopoulos COR 2017 3566 Finding into death with inquest 22/08/2018 Coroner Jacqui Hawkins
    Shane Kyle Tatti COR 2014 5696 Finding into death without inquest 21/08/2018 Coroner Caitlin English