The Victorian Coroner's Court today launched its inquiry into the circumstances surround the March 28 Swantson Street Grocon Wall collapse. Coroners' Court Judge Ian Gray, assisted by the Victorian Police, acknowledged the public interests in the inquiry and warned of procedural delay arsing from the potential for persecutions that may arise from independent inquiries undertaken by WorkSafe and the Building Commission.
It may take up to two years or more to be concluded depending on the extent of any prosecutions that may be launched.
The Victorian Police are in the process of preparing a report for the Coroner focusing on the history of the site, the design and construction of the collapsed wall and the hoarding that was attached to the wall. The Police report will also cover the regulatory requirements governing the building site and will be supported by expert evidence.
In attendance were representatives of the Building Commission, WorkSafe, Grocon, the City of Melbourne and the families of the victims of the accident. The CFMEU has also sought leave to be represented in the hearing as their members and staff were employed on the construction site and also in attendance immeadiatly after the wall collapase.
The French Embassy also sent an observer but they will have no formal standing in the proceedings
Judge Ian Gray reserved his decision, subject to the tabling of the report from Victoria Police, on whether or not the CFMEU will be granted leave to appear
No date was set for the tabling of the Police report but the court is expected to convene again one month following the Police evidential report copies of which will be provided to all parties.
Given the close association between the developer GroCon and the various government authorities representation by the CFMEU would assist in maintaining public confidence in Coronal review which is independent from Government
Police investigating why wall debris was removed from collapse site
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