Direction hearings

The coroner aims to make investigations and inquests as efficient, responsive and focused as possible so families and the community receive timely answers.

These guidelines explain:

• what directions hearings are
• why they are held
• what is usually discussed.

A directions hearing helps the coroner check the progress of an investigation and set clear steps for preparing for an inquest.

The deputy coroner usually appears as counsel assisting, unless the coroner decides otherwise.

Mandatory inquests

A directions hearing is usually held within 3 months of the death.

Who is expected to attend:

• counsel Assisting the coroner
• the officer in charge of the coronial investigation
• any person or organisation with a likely interest in the inquest and intending to seek permission to appear
• family members, attendance is optional.

Purpose of the directions hearing

The directions hearing is used to:

• confirm the investigation is progressing properly and on time
• set a date for when the coronial brief of evidence must be provided to the coroner’s office
• give any necessary directions, such as identifying possible witnesses or defining the scope of the inquest
• hear from family or others about issues they want explored
• raise any other matters that may affect the timely progress of the investigation or inquest.

After the brief of evidence is delivered

Additional directions hearings may be held if needed.

At these later hearings, the following issues may be discussed:

• applications from people or organisations seeking permission to appear
• any outstanding documents or information requests
• issues that counsel assisting or interested parties believe should be investigated
• the scope of those issues
• any remaining documents that need to be provided
• deadlines for filing evidence or responses
• any concerns about confidentiality, de‑identification or publication restrictions
• issues raised by the family, including matters they want examined or any practical needs
• whether a community visit or site view would be helpful
• any other matters the coroner considers important for progressing the inquest efficiently.

Discretionary inquests

Directions hearings may also be held for discretionary inquests.

If they are held, the first directions hearing usually takes place after the brief of evidence has been provided to the coroner’s office.