23 February 2015

Media release – Select Committee Office

Coroners Amendment Bill

The chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee is inviting submissions on this bill. The closing date for submissions is Thursday 26 March 2015

The bill makes a number of amendments following a targeted review of the Coroners Act 2006. The amendments will improve the quality, consistency, and timeliness of coronial investigations and decision making; clarify the role of coroners and reduce duplication between coroners and other authorities that investigate deaths and accidents; clarify the role coroners have in making recommendations to prevent future deaths and the relationship with agencies that have policy and operational responsibility in those areas; and ensue resources are used effectively. The bill also amends the restrictions on reporting self-inflicted deaths in line with the Law Commission's recommendations arising from a review of the restrictions.

A copy of the bill can be purchased at any Bennetts Government Bookshop or viewed online at www.legislation.govt.nz

Submissions should be forwarded by the due date, either online using our website (www.parliament.nz) or in writing to the address below. If a submitter wishes to appear before the committee, they need to state this clearly and provide a name, daytime phone number and email address. Submissions generally become public and are published on our website. For further guidance on making a submission, read our publication Making a submission to a Parliamentary Select Committee on our website or contact us at
04 817 9520.

Address for correspondence: Justice and Electoral Committee, Parliament Buildings, WELLINGTON 6160.

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