- Highly experienced Brisbane coroner, Magistrate Donald MacKenzie appointed as the second Deputy State Coroner.
- Additional Deputy State Coroner will ease pressure on the Coroner's Court to deliver faster access to justice for victims and grieving families.
- New position made possible because of Crisafulli Government's recent amendments to Coroners Act 2003.
- Announcement of additional Deputy State Coroner follows appointment of new Mining and Resources Coroner last year.
Highly experienced Brisbane coroner, Magistrate Donald MacKenzie, will become Queensland's second Deputy State Coroner, in a major step by the Crisafulli Government to relieving pressure on the Coroners Court and delivering faster access to justice for grieving families.
Coroner MacKenzie will assist State Coroner Terry Ryan and his fellow Deputy State Coroner Stephanie Gallagher with their specific responsibilities.
The appointment was only possible following the Crisafulli Government's amendments to the Coroners Act 2003, passed in October last year, to allow for more than one Deputy State Coroner.
It follows the appointment of a Mining and Resources Coroner to investigate reportable mining fatalities and make recommendations to enhance safety for all workers.
Coroner MacKenzie has worked in the criminal justice system for over 35 years, having appeared in more than 800 jury trials and completed more than 2,000 coronial investigations.
His appointment takes effect immediately for a term of five years.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said a second Deputy State Coroner was another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering on its promise to put victims first.
"The State Coroner and Deputy State Coroner face significant workload pressures, and a second Deputy State Coroner will help alleviate some of this pressure and assist grieving families get the answers they need sooner," the Attorney-General said.
"Coroner MacKenzie has an outstanding track record with his work in both the Coroners Court and courts of law for more than 30 years, and I'm confident he is a great fit for the role.
"This appointment is another vital boost to our courts as we deliver on our promise of faster access to justice for victims."
