Coroners Act 2003

The coroner, or a police officer who is investigating a death under this or another Act, is entitled to observe and participate in the autopsy.

If the coroner considers it appropriate, a person may observe and participate in an autopsy for his or her vocational or clinical education or training with the consent of the doctor who is conducting the autopsy.

The coroner may allow a person, or the person’s representative, to observe the autopsy if the coroner considers—

the person has a sufficient interest in the autopsy; and

the attendance of the person, or the person’s representative, at the autopsy would not compromise the integrity of the coronial investigation or any other investigation into the death; andExample of other investigation—a criminal investigation, workplace health and safety investigation or disciplinary investigation

the attendance of the person, or the person’s representative, at the autopsy is otherwise appropriate.

Before allowing a person to observe an autopsy under subsection (3), the coroner—

must, whenever practicable, consult with and consider the views of—

a family member of the deceased person; and

the doctor who is to conduct the autopsy; and

may consult with, and consider the views of, anyone else the coroner considers appropriate.

If the coroner allows a person to observe an autopsy under subsection (3), the coroner must give the person notice of the time and place of the autopsy before it is conducted.