Who can apply for access?
The
law - external site imposes limitations on the release of coronial documents because these documents contain very personal and sometimes highly sensitive information. Prior to applying for coronial documents, you should consider that it may be upsetting and distressing to read details about a loved one's death.
The Senior Next-of-Kin can receive documents on an open file
free of charge by sending in a written request to the Court. If the senior next-of-kin wants any of the documents
not to be sent out to anyone else, they must indicate this in writing to the Coroner as soon as possible.
Other family members (who are not the senior next-of-kin), may be considered to have an appropriate interest to receive documents from a coronial file. These applicants will need to attach proof of their relationship with the deceased to their application - such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or any other documents which support the application. They will also need to state in their application the reasons why they are seeking access to the coronial documents.
Documents may also be released to:
- a statutory body for a statutory function;
- a member of the police force for law enforcement;
- researchers, for research approved by an ethics committee; or
- anyone who can satisfy the Coroner that they have an appropriate interest to receive the information.
How to apply for coronial documents, who can apply, types of documents, fees, how long it will take and if an application can be refused.
www.coroners.nsw.gov.au