Published Friday, 27 June, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
State Coroner Reappointed for Another Five Years
State Coroner Michael Barnes has been reappointed for another five years, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine announced today.
“Her Excellency the Governor has approved Mr Barnes’ re-appointment until 2013,” Mr Shine said.
“Mr Barnes has done an excellent job since his appointment in 2003 and has overseen a dramatic increase in workload in the Office of the State Coroner during that time.”
“I congratulate him on his reappointment and his continued dedication to coronial services in Queensland.”
Mr Shine said the increased workload is due to a rise in the number of reported medical deaths following the Davies Inquiry and the introduction of the Health Quality and Complaints Commission Review of Hospital-Related Deaths Standard in July 2007.”
“The Bligh Government has committed $7.1 million over the next four years assist the Office of the State Coroner to meet the growing demand for coronial services.
“The funds provide for an additional coroner in Brisbane and associated support staff,” he said.
“In addition, the Government will fund support staff for the Cairns-based coroner who was appointed in 2007.
“This will significantly improve the delivery of coronial services to the people of north Queensland.
“I also recently announced a new Coroner for the Gold Coast."
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
“Her Excellency the Governor has approved Mr Barnes’ re-appointment until 2013,” Mr Shine said.
“Mr Barnes has done an excellent job since his appointment in 2003 and has overseen a dramatic increase in workload in the Office of the State Coroner during that time.”
“I congratulate him on his reappointment and his continued dedication to coronial services in Queensland.”
Mr Shine said the increased workload is due to a rise in the number of reported medical deaths following the Davies Inquiry and the introduction of the Health Quality and Complaints Commission Review of Hospital-Related Deaths Standard in July 2007.”
“The Bligh Government has committed $7.1 million over the next four years assist the Office of the State Coroner to meet the growing demand for coronial services.
“The funds provide for an additional coroner in Brisbane and associated support staff,” he said.
“In addition, the Government will fund support staff for the Cairns-based coroner who was appointed in 2007.
“This will significantly improve the delivery of coronial services to the people of north Queensland.
“I also recently announced a new Coroner for the Gold Coast."
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273