Answers to Questions

CORONER'S ANNUAL REPORT

In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (25 November 2010) (First Session).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women): The Attorney-General has been advised:

1. & 2. A number of factors impinge on timeliness and resolution of Coroners matters pending. Resourcing is one of these factors.

Investigation by the Coroner's Court often involves receiving expert opinion on complex technical and medical issues.

The circumstances of some deaths require that the Coroner does not finalise his case until other reports, investigations or prosecutions have been completed. This is the case with workplace deaths, homicides and major crash prosecutions.

It is about finding the right balance to ensure that the circumstances surrounding each death can be determined and where necessary, recommendations made to prevent re-occurrence.