The Coroner recognises that dealings with the coronial system usually occur at a time of great sorrow and distress. Uncertainty about court procedures and concerns about what will happen only add to this anxiety.

This website will provide you with information about the coronial system, why the Coroner has become involved and the processes, which may be necessary to determine the cause of death.

In this website, you will find contact numbers and addresses if you need support or more information.

The role of the State Coroner in New South Wales is to ensure all deaths, suspected deaths, fires and explosions which come under the Coroner’s jurisdiction are properly investigated and concluded; and where the law requires an inquest to be held, or in cases where the Coroner believes an inquest is necessary, a full inquest is undertaken.

A great majority of people understand and appreciate the role of the coroner and the fact that the coroner is involved in the investigation of death. It is less widely known that the coroner has made and continues to make recommendations to save lives. When a coroner makes a finding in relation to a death, the coroner can also make recommendations.

These recommendations can and do save lives. The fencing of swimming pools in New South Wales is a direct result of a coroner's recommendation. Protocols and procedures have been amended in hospitals helping to save lives and reduce accidents. You can access some of these recommendations and findings on this website.

In effect the jurisdiction is more than investigating death. It is also about the preservation of life.

It is hoped that this website will enable the reader to be more aware of the jurisdiction and its operations.

Please note that should you wish to correspond with the State Coroner, the Senior Deputy State Coroner or the Deputy State Coroner at Glebe, please write to them at the Office of the NSW State Coroner 44-46 Parramatta Road Glebe NSW 2037. Should you wish to correspond with the Deputy State Coroner at Westmead, please write to the Coroners Court Institute Road Westmead, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145