Private Members' Statement: Coronial autopsy delays and asbestos concerns at Kooringal High School

I wish to speak about two issues affecting the people of my electorate: coronial autopsy delays and potential asbestos exposure at Kooringal High School. In August 2017 Sam Hardwick, from Adelong, died suddenly and tragically two days before his eighteenth birthday. Because of the circumstances, a coronial autopsy was required. His parents, Matthew Hardwick and Gina Caton, were told that the body would be transported to Newcastle and would not be returned for three to four weeks. Gina and Matthew, in their words, took legal action and contacted every member of Parliament they could think of so that the body could be returned sooner. In their case, this was done. However they believe strongly that no family should have to endure the uncertainty and distress they faced.

Coronial autopsies for people from rural New South Wales are conducted in Newcastle. It can be up to three weeks or more before the body that is sent away is returned to grieving loved ones. The deaths are sudden and tragic and delays are distressing, and not only families but entire communities are affected. Just last week, a Wagga Wagga family was advised of a possible delay of up to three weeks. While I personally have followed this up and believe it has been addressed, I cannot emphasise enough how distressing it is that this sort of intervention is needed. For country people it is an issue that symbolises the divide from the city.

I acknowledge the advocacy of other members of parliament on this issue but it remains unaddressed. I also note that previous statements on this matter have emphasised the need to train additional specialist pathologists. Given the length of the training program and the workforce shortages that currently exist, this is a long‑term solution. I have met with NSW Pathology and the health Minister's office to push for a solution to this problem. I believe there are actions that can be taken now to improve the situation, and I note them as follows.

There must be early and regular communication with those affected outlining the times involved at each stage of the process. Triage and processing must ensure that bodies are transported only when necessary and must give priority to rural patients to ensure there are no unwarranted delays. The transport of the bodies must be prompt. There should be sufficient staff so that autopsies are done as soon as practicable. Finally, I believe that a system of regional coronial medical officers, supported by specialists in Newcastle, could be established in the medium term to further assist in managing the issue. I urge the Government to focus on this and to take whatever steps necessary to reduce the suffering of rural families, which is great enough in these circumstances without the indignity that delays in coronial autopsy inflict.

I turn now to asbestos at Kooringal High School. I have been approached by staff, students and parents from Kooringal High School who have expressed concern over what they believe to have been potential exposure to asbestos. It follows building works at the site earlier this year. I have been told by the office of the Minister for Education that the health, safety and wellbeing of the school community have been given the highest priority, which I applaud, and that asbestos is currently contained, with further recommendations from SafeWork NSW being actioned. However, I am not reassured that asbestos has always been contained. The concerns expressed to me can be summarised in an email I have received from a student, which states:

I, along with many other students have witnessed work done on asbestos areas without adequate protection, consisting solely of a cloth mouth guard on numerous occasions. I have been informed that teachers have only been given a script of what they are to tell to us, stating that the school is safe, and have not themselves been informed of anything. Not once has the school been evacuated due to asbestos, whilst we have had major science and office renovations during school hours, over the last year and a half. These renovations were supposed to occur solely during school breaks, however this did not occur. I have heard consistently that our school is "safe", however new areas are always being blocked off after they are deemed to be ridden with exposed asbestos, which is not being properly concealed. Some cracks have been sealed with black tape. I, along with everyone in my school, are desperately asking for this threat to our safety to be removed.

According to the Minister's office, the asbestos materials are to be removed in strict accordance with legislation in December. But I have reports from parents saying that they were told it would be removed last holidays, and it was not. I am concerned it might be delayed again. In the meantime, I wonder if duct tape covering exposed fibres is considered appropriate containment. The communication that residents in my electorate have received thus far has not been enough to reassure them or me.