Coroners Bill reform
Senator Gilroy asks for an update on the stalled Coroners Bill 2007 and argues that the outdated legislation should be modernised.
Will the Leader ascertain from the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the Coroners Bill 2007, which is stuck on an Order Paper somewhere? The need for a new Act has been demonstrated, as some of the provisions in the current Act hark back to medieval times. Not only is a coroner required to determine the cause of death, but inquests are also required for what are called treasure troves. That such provisions remain in effect seems anomalous at a time when resources for the Coroner Service have been reduced. A modernisation of the legislation is necessary.