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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 Sort descending Date Coroner Related orders and rulings Responses to recommendations
    Bernas Hasibuan COR 2010 4398 Finding into death with inquest 15/09/2016 Coroner Peter White
    Allan Phipps COR 2012 4494 Finding into death with inquest 17/11/2014 Coroner Caitlin English
    Unknown Remains Human Pelvis COR 2010 4593 Finding into death with inquest 08/06/2011 Coroner Kim M. W. Parkinson
    Jennifer Gibbins COR 2005 4723 Finding into death with inquest 20/01/2010 Coroner John Martin Murphy
    Penelope Pratt COR 2010 4818 Finding into death with inquest 05/02/2016 State Coroner Judge Ian L Gray
    Gerard Helliar COR 2012 4865 Finding into death with inquest 18/04/2018 Coroner Peter White
    Robert Edward Curry COR 2009 5057 Finding into death with inquest 10/09/2012 Deputy State Coroner Paresa Spanos
    Shane Peter Kerstjens COR 2007 5240 Finding into death with inquest 04/10/2011 Coroner Dr Jane Hendtlass
    Luke Andrew Hyatt COR 2012 5435 Finding into death with inquest 16/12/2013 Deputy State Coroner Iain West
    Tyler Cassidy COR 2008 5542 Finding into death with inquest 23/11/2011 State Coroner Judge Jennifer Coate