New coroner keen to take on challenge
TO CALL Nerida Wilson’s new job a “challenge” seems too weak a word.
The new Northern Region Coroner will oversee an area more than twice the size of France and inherits an unenviable case backlog.
But the Cairns born and bred former Federal police officer, turned lawyer is ready to breath new life into the region’s death investigations.
“I’m prepared to say it’s a challenge, it’s a very big role and enormous area,” she said.
“There is a backlog and it’s certainly going to be my priority to review the files. But coming home to this role I feel privileged. It’s a role I certainly hope to make my own.”
The former St Monica’s student was previously a barrister in Cairns before being appointed a magistrate two years ago.
She served two years in Mackay before this Cairnsbased role beckoned and she takes over the position from Kevin Priestly, who will revert to being a magistrate.
Few magistrates would have a background in policing and Ms Wilson believes her unique skill set will be a perfect fit for the coronial role which involves, at times, lengthy investigations into causes of death.
She said the position inCASSOWARIES volves close contact with the families of those subject to investigations and keeping them updated, along with providing explanations in the findings was key.
“The priority really is for families and all the other benefits which can flow from that,” Ms Wilson said.
“It’s (an important role) in so far as it contributes to a safer community. But mostly it’s important to families to have some closure, often in very distressing circumstances.”
The expansive area Ms Wilson will cover stretches from south of Bowen to the Torres Strait and west to the Northern Territory border, as far south as Birdsville.
She said it meant there was a huge variety in the type of deaths investigated.
They include those linked to the tourism industry, such as diving and snorkelling, rural farming incidents and deaths in indigenous communities.