- Robyn Hartley appointed as a new Coroner with the Coroner's Court of WA
- The experienced legal practitioner is a member of the State Administrative Tribunal
The Finance Minister on behalf of the Attorney General is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Robyn Hartley as a new Coroner of the Coroner's Court of Western Australia.
Ms Hartley brings a wealth of experience to the Coroner's Court including nearly 20 years as a lawyer in the State Solicitor's Office, during which she represented State agencies in 75 coronial inquests.
Ms Hartley rose to the position of Senior Assistant State Solicitor and was the supervisor of coronial inquests at the State Solicitor's Office from April 2022 to May 2024. During her time in that position, she managed all requests for representation from State Government agencies involved in coronial investigations and inquests.
Ms Hartley also spent nearly two years as general counsel for the South Metropolitan Health Service, where she provided wide-ranging legal advice across Fiona Stanley, Fremantle and Rockingham hospitals.
Since May 2024, Ms Hartley has been a full-time Member of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT), where she has presided over hearings and conducted mediations related to a broad range of issues.
This new six-month appointment will greatly enhance the Coroner's Court's ability to efficiently manage its significant and complicated workload.
Ms Hartley will take a leave of absence from the SAT and begin her term as a coroner on 7 October 2024.
As stated by Finance Minister Sue Ellery:
"It's with great enthusiasm that I welcome Ms Robyn Hartley as a Coroner with the WA Coroner's Court.
"As supervisor of coronial inquests at the State Solicitor's Office, Ms Hartley represented State Government agencies at 75 inquests and provided advice on coronial jurisdiction matters.
"The experience and expertise she will bring to the role will serve as an invaluable addition to the Coroner's Court.
"This six-month appointment will help meet the resourcing needs of the Coroner's Court and enhance its ability to manage the significant and complicated workloads it presides over."
