The Coroner process

The Coroner is a magistrate-level judicial officer whose job is to find out who died, when, where, how and why. The investigation is not a criminal trial — it is a fact-finding process designed to understand what happened and to prevent similar deaths in future.

Each Australian state and territory has its own Coroners Court. Most have a counselling service that supports bereaved families through the process at no cost.

A coronial investigation can take months, sometimes more than a year. The body is usually released to the family within a few days, but the formal findings (and any inquest, if there is one) come much later.

• Autopsy and initial findings — usually within days
• Body released to the family — usually within a few days
• Toxicology results — weeks to months
• Final coronial findings or report — months, sometimes longer
• Inquest (if held) — usually only in complex or public-interest cases

When a death is reported to the Coroner, an autopsy is usually performed. In some circumstances — particularly on cultural or religious grounds — families can object or ask for a less invasive examination. Talk to the Coroner's office or your funeral director.

• Who is the case officer for our matter?
• How can I contact them with questions?
• When will the body be released?
• Can we view the body before release?
• Will there be an autopsy? Can we object?
• Will there be an inquest?
• How will we receive the findings, and when?
• Is counselling available for our family?

Every state and territory has a Coronial Counselling Service (sometimes called a Coronial Information and Support Program). They are free, confidential, and exist specifically to help bereaved families understand and walk through the coronial process. Ask the police, the Coroner’s office, or call Griefline.