Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:02): I have a supplementary question arising from the answer. With regards to the Coroner's position in investigating domestic violence related deaths, what is the FTE of the Coroner's position? How many deaths have been investigated and reported on and how many are in the pipeline?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (15:02): The Coroner's position has been in place now for quite some time. It is a one FTE position, and the role of that position is to look at Coroner's deaths, Coroner's cases, to look at domestic violence related issues and particularly with a mind's eye to looking at systemic issues that might be occurring across agencies.

In relation to the number of cases, I think I have some figures here. The research position commenced in January 2011. As of 1 May 2014, the position has conducted file reviews and investigations on over 100 homicides, suicides or multiple fatality deaths reported by the Coroner. These reviews have contributed to three finalised coronial inquests with a domestic violence context. All three of these inquests have had findings and recommendations released which relate to systemic improvements regarding responses to domestic violence. These include responding appropriately to disclosures of domestic violence and interagency information sharing.

As a direct result of the finalised coronial inquests, 20 recommendations specific to improving domestic violence responses have been made by the state and deputy state coroners. They are all the figures that I have at hand.