Deaths by suicide — like all sudden or unexpected deaths — are always reported to the Coroner. The Coroner's Court in each state and territory has specialist counsellors who will contact the next of kin shortly after the completed suicide has been reported to the Coroner. Your first contact with the state/territory Coroner's Court counsellors could be by letter or telephone. These counsellors are available to assist the bereaved in engaging with the coronial process and will be able to answer questions regarding requirements for autopsy, coronial enquiry, and when and how to make funeral arrangements.
The counsellors at your state/territory Coroner's Court are generally only accessible during business hours. Suicide bereaved people may be offered a number of counselling and information sessions via telephone or in person at the state/territory Coroner's counselling service. People in more rural or remote locations may often be supported in the first instance via phone whilst they are linked with appropriate services locally.
Further information about the Coroner's Court in each state and territory and their associated counselling services may be found here:
The following information booklets also provide information on the role of the coroner and practical issues involved in the coronial process:
Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention: The Information and Support Pack for People Bereaved by Suicide or Other Sudden Death
State Coroner's Office of Victoria: The Coroner's Process- Information for Family and Friends
South Australian State Coroner's Office: When a person dies: Information for family and friends
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