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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-06-17 Daily Xml
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Smith, Ms A.M.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (14:38): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Treasurer, representing the Attorney-General, regarding the death of Ann Marie Smith and coronial inquests.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: While advocating for a constituent who had tragically lost a daughter in unexplained circumstances last year, I had cause to write to the Coroner about the long delay in receiving an autopsy report from Forensic Science SA. The Coroner's office informed me that there is a delay of between 12 and 16 months in getting results of autopsies, which in effect is causing long queues of inquests stretching into years rather than months, which is no fault of the Coroner. Many grieving families are having to endure the ongoing stress and anxiety of not knowing the cause of death.

This is also having financial implications, particularly with life insurance or superannuation payouts. My question to the Attorney, through the Treasurer, is: considering that this problem has been going on for some years, what is she and the government going to do to speed up the process of Forensic Science SA; and will this 12 to 16-month delay in receiving autopsy reports affect SAPOL and the Coroner's investigation into the death of Ann Marie Smith, or will this case receive a priority?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:39): I am happy to refer the honourable member's question to the Attorney and bring back a reply.

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