Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine

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VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC MEDICINE

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine was established (as the Victorian Institute of Forensic Pathology) by the Coroners Act 1985. This Institute was to provide the forensic medico-scientific process in support of the role of the Coroner as envisioned by that Act. The Institute also provides clinical forensic medicine services, teaching and research as the Monash University Department of Forensic Medicine. The Director of the Institute also holds the Chair of Forensic Medicine at Monash University. The Institute is also permitted to provide services for fees (S 66A).

The Institute is governed by a Council with perpetual succession with the members who represent specific interests, other than the Director and State Coroner, being appointed by the Governor-in-Council. The Council has the power to regulate its own proceedings, with the original Act having enjoined upon the Institute the proper management and administration of its affairs (particularly its financial affairs).

The predecessor agencies of the Institute were VA 2263 Toxicology Branch (of the Coroners Court) and VA 2829 State Chemistry Laboratory Medico-Legal Laboratory. There is evidence that the Institute did not assume full responsibility for the Toxicology functions until 1989 or for the provision of autopsies until that date.