Witnesses can be forced to testify in inquests under new powers given to Victoria's coroners.
Under new laws that came into effect this week, coroners will be able to compel witnesses to testify without the risk of self incrimination, meaning their evidence cannot be used against them in other courts.
When a coroner investigating a death makes recommendations, the minister or statutory body that receives them must now respond in writing within three months.The results of inquests and responses will be published on the internet.
State Coroner Judge Jennifer Coate said the new response requirement means a coroner's recommendations cannot be selectively pursued or ignored."This is an important gain for the public safety and administration of justice for our community," she said.
Last week, Victoria Police rejected coroner Audrey Jamieson's call for more training after a finding into the 2004 shooting death of 27-year-old Gregory Biggs who had threatened police with a sword.Attorney-General Rob Hulls said coroners, rather than lawyers, will now play a greater role in proceedings, which will be informal and easy to understand for those involved.
"The less legalistic nature of the court will make access to the coroners' findings far easier, will make procedures far easier and will be far better for those victims, families, who have to appear before the court," he told reporters."We think that the inquisitorial role will mean that the coroners will be able to delve more deeply into reasons why deaths occur."
Mr Hulls said the task of identifying all 173 people who died in the Black Saturday bushfires highlighted the important role coroners play in the community.The new Coroner's Court of Victoria sat for the first time on Wednesday. It was previously known as the State Coroner's Office of Victoria.
