Right to Information and Privacy Unit
Department of Justice and Attorney‑General
Queensland Government

Subject: Application for Access to Information – Coronial Use of Custodial Powers (20 March 2020 – 24 April 2022)

Dear RTI Officer,

I am seeking clarification and statistical information regarding the exercise of powers by the Deputy State Coroner use of Custodial Powers (20 March 2020 – 24 April 2022 , particularly in relation to detention and sentencing.

Under the Coroners Act 2003 (Qld), coroners are empowered to:
• conduct inquests (Part 3)
• make findings (s 45)
• issue certain warrants for the purpose of investigations (s 13, s 14)

However, the Act does not confer powers to:
• remand a person in custody
• impose a sentence
• commit a person for trial
• exercise criminal jurisdiction
With this legislative framework in mind, I request the following information for the Deputy State Coroner, for the period 20 March 2020 to 24 April 2022:
1. How many individuals, if any, were remanded in custody, detained, or otherwise imprisoned as a result of orders made by a coroner or deputy state coroner during this period.
2. How many sentencing matters, if any, were dealt with by a coroner or deputy state coroner during the same period.

If available, I would also appreciate any policy documents, practice directions, or internal guidance materials that outline coronial powers in relation to detention or sentencing.

Further, I am making an application under the Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld) seeking access to statistical information held by the Department of Justice and Attorney‑General regarding the exercise of custodial‑related powers by the Deputy State Coroner in Queensland. for the period 20 March 2020 to 24 April 2022, I request access to the following information:
1. The number of individuals, if any, who were remanded in custody, detained, or otherwise imprisoned as a result of orders made by a coroner or deputy state coroner during this period.
2. The number of matters involving sentencing, if any, that were dealt with by a coroner or deputy state coroner during the same period.

If available, I also request access to any documents, internal guidelines, or policy materials that clarify the scope of coronial powers in relation to detention, remand, or sentencing during the relevant timeframe.
.
I am seeking statistical and administrative information only and do not require personal information about any individual. Thank you for your consideration of this application. I am happy to provide any further details if required.

Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,

A Queenslander