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    Our coroners

    Queensland has 10 specialist full-time coroners located in Brisbane, Cairns, Mackay, and Southport.  Two additional Registrars located in Brisbane triage and investigate less complex matters, such as deaths from natural causes.

    All reportable deaths are investigated by the relevant Coroner for that area, with the exception of deaths in custody and deaths as a result of police operations, which must be investigated by the State Coroner or the Deputy State Coroner only.

    For information about how to contact the coroners in each of our Queensland Courts locations, please visit the Contact Us page.

    State Coroner: Terry Ryan

    The State Coroner oversees and coordinates the Queensland Coronial system to ensure it is administered efficiently and appropriately. The State Coroner may issue directions or may issue guidelines in respect of the conduct of an investigation.

    Located in Brisbane, the State Coroner must investigate deaths in custody or deaths as a result of police operations.

    Deputy State Coroner: Stephanie Gallagher

    Located in Brisbane, the Deputy State Coroner investigates deaths in the South East Queensland boundary, deaths in custody, or deaths as a result of police operations.

    Brisbane Coroners:  Don MacKenzie, Melinda Zerner, Ainslie Kirkegaard, Carol Lee and Megan Fairweather

    Located in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, the Brisbane Coroners investigate deaths in the South East Queensland boundary catchment.

    Southeastern Coroner: Amanda Bain

    Located in the Southport Magistrates Court, the Southeastern Coroner investigates deaths in the South East Queensland boundary catchment.

    Far Northern Coroner: Stephanie Williams

    Located in Cairns Magistrates Court, the Far Northern Coroner investigates deaths in the Regional Queensland boundary catchment.

    Central Coroner: David O’Connell

    Located in Mackay Magistrates Court, the Central Coroner investigates deaths in the Regional boundary catchment.

    Mining and Resources Coroner and Northern Coroner: Wayne Pennell

    Located in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, the Mining and Resources Coroner and Northern Coroner must investigate deaths as a result of mining related deaths. The Mining and Resources Coroner and Northern Coroner will also investigate deaths in the Regional Queensland boundary catchment.

    Registrars: Jessica Lambert and Lisa Hendy

    Located in Brisbane, the Registrars triage and investigate deaths that are reported to police:

    • because a death certificate hasn’t been issued; and
    • reviews potentially reportable deaths reported directly by medical practitioners or funeral directors.

    The Registrars also provide telephone advice to clinicians during business hours regarding whether a death is reportable. These deaths represent the high volume, less complex, range of matters reported to coroners.