New South Wales Consolidated Acts

CORONERS ACT 1980 - SECT 15B

15B General inquiries concerning fires and explosions

(1) The following persons may request that a coroner hold a general inquiry concerning a fire or explosion that has destroyed or damaged any property within the State:

(a) in the case of a fire or explosion occurring within a fire district within the meaning of the Fire Brigades Act 1989 , the New South Wales Fire Brigades, or

(b) in the case of a bush fire within the meaning of the Rural Fires Act 1997 , the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service, or

(c) the Minister.

(2) If a request has been made under subsection (1) or the State Coroner is of the opinion that a general inquiry concerning a fire or explosion that has destroyed or damaged any property within the State should be held, the State Coroner must direct a coroner to hold the inquiry.

(3) An inquiry is to be held in accordance with any such direction.

(4) The State Coroner must not give such a direction to a coroner who is a Magistrate without the Chief Magistrate’s consent.

(5) The State Coroner may, instead of directing another coroner to hold the inquiry, hold the inquiry himself or herself.