The Coronial Division recognises that engagement in its processes can be distressing for families and loved ones. To assist families and loved ones during their engagement with the Coronial Division, we have a dedicated Coronial Liaison Officer. The Coronial Liaison Officer provides key information and support to those persons involved in a coronial investigation including the next of kin and family members of a deceased person.
The Division acknowledges that the work of the Coronial Liaison Officer is critical to its efforts to protect against causing secondary harm to bereaved family and others closely associated with a death and to conduct its statutory duties and purpose in a trauma informed way.
Despite the important work undertaken by the Coronial Liaison Officer the Division has been without a Coronial Liaison Officer for a lengthy period. The Coronial Division have been working closely with the Department of Justice to receive approval to commence a recruitment process to fill this role. We now have that approval, but it will take a period of time before we have someone in place in the role.
Consistent with the desire to avoid distress and secondary harm to those persons engaged with the Division as far as possible and recognising the role of the Coronial Liaison officer as integral to that objective the Division will work to communicate critical information to families as best we can until this role is filled using existing resources, but ask for your patience while we recruit and staff the role. In the meantime, you can find a range of advice, resources and links to supports on our website.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.