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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
    Lay Yeo COR 2010 0409 Finding into death without inquest 02/09/2011 Coroner Jonathan G Klestadt
    Kim Yeo COR 2010 0408 Finding into death without inquest 02/09/2011 Coroner Jonathan G Klestadt
    Elijah Michael Shelley COR 2008 4973 Finding into death with inquest 01/09/2011 Coroner John Olle
    Barry Wilson Howroyd COR 2008 3593 Finding into death with inquest 31/08/2011 Deputy State Coroner Paresa Spanos
    Joanne Elizabeth Howell COR 2007 1498 Finding into death with inquest 26/08/2011 Deputy State Coroner Paresa Spanos
    Michael Joseph Brennan COR 2008 2443 Finding into death with inquest 25/08/2011 State Coroner Judge Jennifer Coate
    Peter James COR 2011 0442 Finding into death without inquest 25/08/2011 Coroner Paul Anthony Smith
    Henry Portelli COR 2011 0977 Finding into death with inquest 25/08/2011 Coroner John Martin Murphy
    Roderick Allen COR 2009 1608 Finding into death without inquest 23/08/2011 Coroner Kim M. W. Parkinson
    Robert Lee Braun COR 2009 5649 Finding into death with inquest 22/08/2011 Coroner John Olle