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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-06-24 Daily Xml
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CORONERS (REPORTABLE DEATH) AMENDMENT BILL

Introduction and First Reading

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (10:32): Obtained leave and introduced a bill for an act to amend the Coroners Act 2003. Read a first time.

Second Reading

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (10:32): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

In moving this bill, I will be referring to letters given to me by the Australian Funeral Directors Association (South Australian Division) in relation to this very simple issue. The Australian Funeral Directors Association has been in discussion with the government from before April 2008 about an issue that occurs in relation to reportable deaths interstate.

When a citizen of South Australia dies interstate, the interstate coroner prepares a report. The South Australian Coroner also prepares a report, so there is a double reporting process and this delays the whole grieving process for the family of the deceased and puts them through extra time delay and extra pain. I am advised by the Australian Funeral Directors Association that in every other state those coroners recognise the work of the interstate coroner in relation to the deceased, so that there is only one reporting process.

This bill gives power for the South Australian Coroner to recognise the work of an interstate coroner in relation to reportable deaths so that there is only one report into the reportable death and the whole process is quickened up for the grieving family of the deceased. It is cheaper, quicker and makes sense, so that is the simple intent of the bill.

I will not speak any longer. I think the merits of this bill stand on its own. It is regrettable that, for whatever reason, the government has not dealt with this issue in the previous two years. I am hoping that, now that it is before the house, the government can see its way clear to support this bill. I say to the government that if it does have amendments that can improve this bill, I am open to accepting them subject to negotiations. I am not saying that this is the perfect model, but I am saying that this is the bill that will bring this matter to a head in the house so that we can make the whole process simpler for the grieving families of people who die interstate. With your agreement, Madam Speaker, hopefully, the government will agree to this bill.

Debate adjourned on motion of Mr Sibbons.

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