The ACT Government will appoint a dedicated coroner in the 2021-22 ACT Budget – fulfilling a commitment in the ACT Labor / Greens’ Parliamentary and Governing Agreement to establish a full-time Coroner’s Court.
Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said a dedicated coroner would reduce delays for bereaved family, friends, and witnesses involved in inquests, better support them, and allow a more consistent, restorative approach to coronial proceedings.
“The pain felt by families who have lost a loved one to an unexpected death should not have to endure an agonising, and quite frankly, traumatic wait for a coronial inquiry,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Over the past 12 months since I was appointed ACT Attorney-General, I have listened to the families who’ve been involved in coronial matters in the ACT, and agree that improvements are needed.”
Currently, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said, eight different magistrates undertake coronial matters as part of their regular, heavy workloads.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker welcomed the government’s commitment to funding for a dedicated coroner. The Coronial Reform Group and Alliance for Coronial Reform also advocated for the reform.
The ACT Government will spend $3.2 million over four years for the dedicated Coroner and support staff.
Moreover, the government will appoint an additional Special Magistrate and support staff to help reduce waiting lists, particularly in criminal cases. $432,000 has been allocated in the 2021-22 budget.
New positions will be created within the Director of Public Prosecutions and Legal Aid, costing $206,000 in the budget.
Altogether, the ACT Government will spend $3.8 million on justice in the budget, Mr Barr stated.
For more news:
