New South Wales Consolidated Acts

CORONERS ACT 1980 - SECT 17A

17A State Coroner may hold inquest etc

(1) If a coroner is informed (under section 12A or 15) of a death, suspected death, fire or explosion, the State Coroner may:

(a) assume the jurisdiction to hold an inquest concerning the death or suspected death or an inquiry concerning the fire or explosion, or

(b) direct another coroner to assume that jurisdiction.

(2) The State Coroner may do so only before the coroner who was informed of the death, suspected death, fire or explosion:

(a) decides to dispense with the holding of an inquest or inquiry, or

(b) commences the inquest or inquiry.

(3) The State Coroner shall not, without the Chief Magistrate’s consent, direct a coroner who is a Magistrate to assume jurisdiction to hold an inquest or an inquiry.