- Attorney-General
The Andrews Labor Government has today announced the appointment of Sarah Gebert as a coroner of the Coroners Court of Victoria.
Ms Gebert is highly regarded for her extensive legal experience and commitment to justice and will bring her strong sense of compassion to the new role, which will see her dealing with families experiencing the loss of a loved one.
She has been the principal in-house solicitor at the Coroners Court since 2011, a position that involves assisting with investigations, preparing matters for inquest, appearing as counsel and managing Supreme Court appeals.
She has held a number of senior roles within the Victorian Government, including as a project manager for the Coronial System Reform Project from 2007 to 2011.
The project included the development and passage of the Coroners Act 2008, which established the Coroners Court of Victoria as a specialist inquisitorial court.
Ms Gebert was a project manager for the establishment of the Neighbourhood Justice Centre, the first community justice centre in Australia, and managed the unit responsible for creating Koori Courts across Victoria.
She began her career as a solicitor, holding roles with Victoria Legal Aid, Mirimbiak Nations Aboriginal Corporation and Women's Legal Service Victoria.
Ms Gebert obtained degrees in law and science from Monash University in 1988 and was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in the same year.
She also holds a postgraduate diploma in forensic science from La Trobe University, which she completed in 2002.
As noted by Attorney-General Jill Hennessy
"Ms Gebert's understanding of both the law and forensic science, combined with her extensive experience in coronial matters and policy, makes her ideally suited to take on the role of Coroner."
"I congratulate Ms Gebert on her appointment and look forward to the valuable contribution she will make to the Coroners Court and the Victorian community."
