In Australia, the reporting of a death to a coroner is governed by state and territory legislation, so the specifics can vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction. However, there are common circumstances across all Australian states and territories where a death is typically reportable to the coroner. These include:
- Unexpected, Unnatural or Violent Death: If the death is sudden and the cause is not known, or if it resulted from violence or injury (accidental or intentional), it must be reported.
- Death Under Suspicious Circumstances: This includes any death where the circumstances leading to it are considered suspicious.
- Death During or Following Medical Procedures: If the death occurs during or as a result of an operation or anesthetic, or is related to a medical procedure, it is generally reportable.
- Death in Custody or Care: Deaths that occur while the person is in prison, police custody, or other forms of state detention, as well as those occurring in psychiatric facilities are reportable. Deaths in residential aged care are not reportable unless there is another reason to report the dealth.
- Death Where Identity is Unknown: If the deceased person cannot be identified, the death must be reported.
- Death in the Absence of a Medical Certificate: If no doctor is able to issue a death certificate stating the cause of death, the case must be referred to the coroner.
- Death of a Child: In some jurisdictions, the death of a child (<18) is reportable.
- Deaths Due to Industrial Accidents: If the death results from a workplace accident or is related to the person’s employment, it must be reported.
- Deaths Where Public Health or Safety is Concerned: If the death raises issues of public health or safety it may need to be reported.
It’s important for healthcare professionals, police, and sometimes members of the public to be aware of these criteria, as they have legal obligations to report such deaths. The coroner’s role is to independently investigate these deaths to determine the cause and circumstances of death and to make recommendations that may prevent similar deaths in the future.