Coroners Act 1995

If a coroner reasonably believes that it is necessary for the investigation of a death, the coroner may direct the State Forensic Pathologist or an approved pathologist, or a medical practitioner under the direct supervision of the State Forensic Pathologist or an approved pathologist, to perform an autopsy on the body.

A coroner must direct the State Forensic Pathologist or an approved pathologist, or a medical practitioner under the direct supervision of the State Forensic Pathologist or an approved pathologist, to perform an autopsy on the body if directed by the Chief Magistrate to do so.

A coroner may direct the State Forensic Pathologist or a pathologist or medical practitioner performing an autopsy to cause to be preserved for such period as the coroner directs any material which appears to the State Forensic Pathologist or the pathologist or medical practitioner to relate to the cause of death or the circumstances surrounding the death.

The State Forensic Pathologist or a pathologist or a medical practitioner performing an autopsy may remove and retain such parts of the body as he or she considers necessary in order to determine the cause of death or the circumstances surrounding the death.