SECTIONS
Scholarly Practice
Dr Freckelton AO KC is an inaugural member of the Coronial Council of Victoria which was established under the Coroners Act 2008 (Vic) to provide advice to the Attorney-General regarding matters of importance to the coronial system.
It is required to submit an annual report on its operations which is tabled in Parliament. For its first annual report, click here.
The role of the Council is to provide advice on:
- the identification of themes, trends and patterns that may be emerging, including regional issues
- legislative issues
- proposed law reform activities.
Membership of the council comprises the State Coroner, the Director of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM), the Chief Commissioner of Police and five to seven persons appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Attorney-General. The non-mandatory members of the council are not appointed as representatives of a particular interest group, and are not expected to represent the specific views of any organisation.
The Coronial Council of Victoria is obliged to act in a way that:
- does not impinge on the independence of coroners’ decision-making and investigation of death as well as the role of the State Coroner
- delivers strategic advice reflecting the changing physical, social and political environment to foster a modern and responsive coronial system
- promotes and strengthens different relationships including collaboration between agencies across the service system
- focuses on advice to strengthen services to families and improve the prevention role of the coroner
- ensures that the views of bereaved families are reflected in the development of advice
- complements existing governance structures in the State coronial system (for example, the VIFM Council)
- promotes transparency, accessibility and accountability regarding the functions of the Victorian coronial system.
Dr Freckelton was appointed for a sixth term to the Coronial Council in 2023.