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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
K COR 2007 0675 Finding into death with inquest 01/03/2012 State Coroner Judge Ian L Gray
Joanne Feeney COR 2010 4374 Finding into death with inquest 29/02/2012 Deputy State Coroner Paresa Spanos
John Alfred Wailes COR 2011 0211 Finding into death with inquest 29/02/2012 Coroner Kim M. W. Parkinson
Keith Phillip Dickman COR 2009 1416 Finding into death with inquest 29/02/2012 Coroner Kim M. W. Parkinson
Robert Alan How COR 2008 5773 Finding into death with inquest 28/02/2012 State Coroner Judge Jennifer Coate
Laurence Wayne Allen COR 2008 1118 Finding into death with inquest 27/02/2012 Coroner Dr Jane Hendtlass
Ian James Black COR 2009 1715 Finding into death without inquest 27/02/2012 Coroner John Olle
Lawrence George Noyes COR 2010 1890 Finding into death with inquest 27/02/2012 Coroner John Olle
Keith William Allan COR 2010 2171 Finding into death with inquest 27/02/2012 Coroner Dr Jane Hendtlass
Ellen Mary OConnor COR 2008 2055 Finding into death without inquest 22/02/2012 Deputy State Coroner Paresa Spanos