Release of report on coronial autopsies

25/9/93

A report recommending sweeping changes to the system of ordering autopsies during coronial inquiries has been released for public comment.

Attorney General Cheryl Edwardes said the report was produced by a committee formed in May 1992, in response to public concern over the removal of body parts during autopsies.

"The inquiry into aspects of coronial autopsies was ordered after a public outcry into what was seen as excessive interference with bodies during autopsies," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Some people were particularly concerned about brains and other organs being removed and not returned to the body after the inquest.

"Therefore, the committee recommends that the family of the deceased should be informed if the coroner orders an autopsy and that they be informed of the removal of any organs.

"It was suggested this contact should be in writing, where possible, providing easily understood reasons for the decision, and that the public in general should be better informed about the entire coronial process.

"The report also recommended that the Coroners' Act be amended to allow relatives the right of appeal against the coroner's decision to conduct or not to conduct an autopsy, unless the coroner decides that an autopsy must proceed immediately.

"If the brain or other organs need to be retained, the committee believes relatives should be given reasons for this and they should be given the option of delaying funeral arrangements until the organs are available."

Mrs Edwardes said that the public would have six weeks to read the report and make any comments or submissions, although substantial public and professional advice had already been taken by the committee.

The committee was chaired by Colin Honey of the Kingswood Centre of Applied Ethics, and it included social welfare administrator Wendy Silver, retired pathologist Derek Pocock and solicitor Dominic Bourke.

The committee also recommended the implementation of recommendations made by another review of the Coroners' Act in 1989, which included Coroner David McCann and representatives from the Law Society and the Crown Solicitor's office.

"Among other things, the ad hoc committee recommended repealing the present Coroners' Act and replacing it with a new Act based on Victorian legislation, and appointing a State coroner," Mrs Edwards said.

Media contact:  Casey Cahill 222 9595