Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Coroners Act 2008 - SECT 8

Factors to consider for the purposes of this Act

8. Factors to consider for the purposes of this Act

When exercising a function under this Act, a person should have regard, as far
as possible in the circumstances, to the following-

   (a)  that the death of a family member, friend or community member is
        distressing and distressed persons may require referral for
        professional support or other support;

   (b)  that unnecessarily lengthy or protracted coronial investigations may
        exacerbate the distress of family, friends and others affected by the
        death;

   (c)  that different cultures have different beliefs and practices
        surrounding death that should, where appropriate, be respected;

   (d)  that family members affected by a death being investigated should,
        where appropriate, be kept informed of the particulars and progress of
        the investigation;

   (e)  that there is a need to balance the public interest in protecting a
        living or deceased person's personal or health information with the
        public interest in the legitimate use of that information;

   (f)  the desirability of promoting public health and safety and the
        administration of justice.