COVID-19 Past Alert Level 4 Protocol 25 August 2021
Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall
current as at 25 August 2021
1. Courts are an essential service. Coroners conduct essential services in relation to deaths reportable under the Coroners Act 2006.
2. At Alert Level 4, subject to the restrictions noted below, the Coroners Court will carry out as many of its usual functions as can be safely supported. This requires the cooperation of all parties to ensure the courts function at the fullest extent they safely can in performance of their constitutional role.
3. Coroners conduct most of their work on the papers, without the need for a Court hearing. Alert Level 4 will not impact on coroners receiving new cases, making directions on files and making written findings.
4. At Alert Level 4, no face to face court appearances will proceed. Some matters may be dealt with by audio-visual link or teleconference.
5. Whether hearings are suitable to proceed by audio-visual link or teleconference will be considered on a case by case basis.
6. Any enquiries about a case should be made to the Case Manager of the coroner assigned to the case.
7. If participants do not know which coroner is assigned to the case, they can contact their local Coronial Services Unit at: