Coronial inquests and legal support for families

15 Sep 2016
Edward Watson and UQ Pro Bono Centre Director Monica Taylor
Edward Watson and UQ Pro Bono Centre Director Monica Taylor

From July to August, the UQ Pro Bono Centre examined the availability of legal support services for families involved in coronial inquests in Queensland, in situations where a relative has suffered a workplace fatality. This project arose through the Centre’s involvement with an Interim Consultative Committee for Work Related Fatalities and Serious Incidents (ICC) – a body within the Office of Industrial Relations comprised of family members of loved ones involved in fatal and serious workplace incidents. 

Law student Edward Watson prepared a research memorandum that was used to progress interagency negotiations for providing legal help to affected families in inquests. Edward’s excellent work led to him being invited to assist barrister Melinda Zerner at a pre-inquest conference. Edward was also personally awarded a certificate of appreciation from the ICC in November.

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