NSW Local Court Magistrate Kasey Pearce has joined the Coronial Jurisdiction as a Deputy State Coroner to bolster resources ahead of the inquest into the tragic incident at Bondi Junction.
The NSW Government committed $18 million in additional funding to the Coronial Jurisdiction to allow for the mandatory inquest which will be overseen by the NSW State Coroner, Her Honour Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan.
The appointment of an additional Deputy State Coroner will give the Coronial Jurisdiction certainty and ensure the efficient functioning of other inquests and inquiries.
In addition to the appointment of the extra Deputy State Coroner, the funding will allow the inquiry to proceed with trauma-informed care for victims and families, including appropriate family liaison supports.
This is consistent with the approach taken following the Lindt Café siege.
The date for the inquest into the deaths at Bondi Junction is yet to be set.
Attorney General Michael Daley said:
"The Coronial Jurisdiction plays a critical role in our justice system, helping to provide some closure to those who have lost loved ones and making recommendations to help improve the health and safety of people in NSW.
"Magistrate Pearce is a highly experienced jurist and a welcome addition to the Coronial Jurisdiction.
"Her appointment will help to ensure other inquests and inquiries are not delayed."
Kasey Pearce - Biography
Kasey Pearce was appointed a Magistrate of the NSW Local Court in 2021. She is an accredited specialist in criminal law and holds a Master of Laws (Criminal Practice). Since her admission as a legal practitioner in 2002, she has worked in both private practice and for Legal Aid NSW, predominantly in criminal law. She has appeared in the Children's Court, Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court. Prior to this, she worked in several policy positions for the NSW Government and as a private consultant in crime prevention policy. She established her own criminal law practice in 2016.
