Released 13/02/2020
Canberrans will soon have access to additional support services should they find themselves engaged in the justice system after the passing of a loved one.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said that the Coroners Amendment Bill 2020 would better respond to the needs of families engaging with the coronial system and to make it easier for the Coroner’s Court to implement restorative approaches in its daily practice.
“The amendments contained in this Bill are one part of a larger project of reform and have been significantly informed by feedback received from families with lived experiences of ACT coronial inquests about what they feel would have assisted them in their personal journeys through the Coroner’s Court,” Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said.
“This legislation acknowledges the significant impact that an inquest or inquiry may have on the family and friends of a deceased person by ensuring that, wherever possible and at the earliest opportunity, families are able to engage with the process and be kept informed of the particulars and progress of an inquest into their family member’s death.
Minister Ramsay said that the Bill was developed as part of the ‘Canberra as a Restorative City’ initiative.
“A ‘restorative city’ is one that uses the principles of support, accountability and respect to create a shared approach to problem solving,” Minister Ramsay said.
“The reforms within the Bill will play an important part in ensuring that the community continue to see Canberra as a city that values a meaningful and restorative approach to justice.”
Minister Ramsay also announced alongside the introduction of the Bill that the Coroner’s Court will begin recruitment for a Family Liaison Officer position to provide support to families and friends of deceased Canberrans as they progress through the Court system.
“After speaking directly with families with lived experience in the system, it was abundantly clear to me that the recruitment of a Family Liaison Officer was a top priority.” Minister Ramsay said.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases