Coronial Investigation Timeline
All times referred to are median times.
When the body of a deceased person whose death is reportable is admitted to the mortuary for examination.
Police investigation on behalf of Coroner.
A post mortem examination is defined as either a full or external autopsy performed by a forensic pathologist, or an external (non-invasive) examination as approved by the coroner.
This can also include other specialist medical services such as neuropathology and toxicology.
Time taken 6 days after admission to mortuary.
Once all examinations are completed and the body is ready for release, the coroner authorises the release to the next of kin's funeral director.
Time taken 2 days after post-mortem.
The final post mortem report is a comprehensive report from the forensic pathologist for the coroner. This report has detailed medical findings as to the cause of death based on all medical examinations and tests.
Time taken 9 months after release of the body.
The police investigation report is the report to the coroner that provides all detail (medical and evidentiary) necessary for the coroner to provide a finding.
Time taken 2months from the completion of the final post mortem report.
Involves the coroner analysing all information that was provided. The Coroner reviews, assesses and where possible, makes findings and then formally completes the investigation by providing a report (to the next of kin) outlining the cause of death.
Time taken 1.5 months after receipt of final police investigation report by the Coroner.
Once the coroner has completed the findings, all necessary detail is provided to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for the issue of a death certificate.
Time taken 0.5 months after coronial investigation/findings completed.
Estimated total time taken to complete investigation as at October 2024 is 13.5 months.
Timeframes are a median period and serve as a guide only, and do not take into account the particular and unique circumstances of each case.
Flowchart of the Process
The below timeframes represent the normal course of a non-inquest coronial finding.
Last updated: 2 December 2024