🎬 Navigating the Coronial System in Queensland
When one of our Mob passes away suddenly, it’s a heavy, sad time. On top of the grief and Sorry Business, families sometimes have to deal with the Coroners Court. It can feel confusing and overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk this path alone.
To support families through this challenging time, ATSILS has developed a comprehensive video detailing how the coronial process works, rights regarding cultural protocols, and the support services available.
Key Takeaways from the Coronial Process:
- The Role of the Coroner: A Coroner is a Magistrate whose role is to determine who passed away, and when, where, and how it occurred. The court is not there to point fingers or lay blame, but to establish facts and recommend measures to prevent future tragedies.
- Cultural Considerations: Families have a voice in how cultural protocols are handled. Requests regarding return to Country, smoking ceremonies, Elder involvement, or cultural naming conventions can be raised directly with the Court or through ATSILS.
- Legal Rights and Support: From police interviews and autopsies to public inquests (mandatory for deaths in custody or care), families have the right to legal advocacy, formal record requests, and language interpreters (including Yumplatok/Torres Strait Creole).
Support Available for Families
Navigating this process should never be done alone. A range of specialised services are available to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Queensland:
⚖️ Legal Support & Advocacy: ATSILS (Free call: 1800 012 255)
🕊️ Grief & Postvention Support: Thirrili (Free call: 24/7 Support: 1800 805 801)
💬 Indigenous Crisis Counselling: 13YARN ( Free call: 13 92 76)
🏥 Coronial Family Services & Court Cultural Capability Officers (Free call on 1800 449 171)
Coroners Court of Queensland Resources
Coronial Investigations Guide for Families:
Easy English (Version)
Yumplotok (Version)