VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC MEDICINE
VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC MEDICINE ANNUAL REPORT 2007-08
Celebrating 20 years at the Coronial serviCes Centre VIFM PEOPLE ANNUAL REPORT 2007-08
Poster Design: Caroline Rosenberg, VIFM
PEOPLE_20_Years.indd 1 28/7/08 4:06:54 PM Contents Vision, Mission, Values 1 Financial Statements Who we are 2 Operating Statement 49 Chairperson’s Report 4 Balance Sheet 50 Director’s Report 5 Statement of Changes in Equity 51 Corporate governance 7 Cash Flow Statement 52 Council and Committee Members 8 Notes to the Financial Statements 53 Organisational Structure 12 Accountable Officer’s Declaration 78 Diversity reporting 15 Disclosure Index 79 Operational Reporting to Government, Auditor’s Report 81 Budget Paper 3 16 Appendices Financial Performance 17 Appendix A. Publications 83 Disclosure of major contracts 18 Appensix B. Conference Abstracts 85 Operational Reporting 19 Appendix C. Presentations 87 Section 64(2) (a) 19 Appendix D. Research 89 Section 64(2)(b) 24 Appendix E. Committees 91 Section 64(2)(c) 25 Appendix F. Staff Listing 93 Section 64(2)(d) 26 Section 64(2)(e) 28 Section 64(2)(f) 30 Section 64(2)(g) 32 Section 64(2)(h) 33 Section 64(2)(i) 34 Section 66(3) 35 Service Improvements 36 Human Resource Management 40 Occupational Health & Environment Safety 45 Social Club and Green Team 46 Statuatory Reporting 47 Risk Management Attestation 48
Report of Operations
Accountable Officer’s declaration In accordance with Financial Management Act 1994, I am pleased to present the Report of Operations for the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine for the year ending 30 June 2008. VISION, MISSION, VALUES
OUR VISION Our Core Values We will be recognised for excellence in Respect what we do. We respect all people, our history, our calling and the law. OUR MISSION Openness Underpinned by ethical principles our purpose is to: We are open-minded. Open to each other, and open to knowledge and • Provide independent forensic medical learning. services to the Victorian public and justice system, Service • Contribute more broadly to the health We provide services for the community, and safety of communities in Australia which are dedicated, responsive and and overseas, client focused. • Increase knowledge through teaching Integrity and research, and We will be beyond reproach. We • Enable the provision of high quality commit to truth, confidentiality, human tissue grafts for transplantation. impartiality and accountability. We commit to systems that are secure, OUR PEOPLE AND CAPABILITY reliable, accurate, valid and safe. Our greatest and most valued asset Innovation is our highly skilled and committed We are creative and curious. We are workforce. Delivering on the not afraid to do things differently. We expectations of this strategic plan is fully will continue our search for knowledge dependent on the contribution of each and truth. individual member of our staff. VIFM has a diverse workforce. We currently employ around 170 staff. Positioning VIFM to meet the challenge of attracting and retaining a skilled workforce in today’s competitive market requires us to be innovative. We must attract, develop and retain employees of the highest quality and provide a working and learning environment that will enable employees to maximise their contribution to the achievement of VIFM’s goals. VIFM recognises the importance of the contribution of the Institute’s people and the consequent obligation to provide a safe, supportive and stimulating work environment for all its employees which values, recognises and rewards effort appropriately.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report WHO WE ARE
The Victorian Institute of Forensic the Council to assist in the proper • To provide reports to coroners about Medicine (“Institute”) is a body functioning of the Institute; the medical causes of deaths and the corporate established under Part 9 findings and results of investigations • To conduct research in the fields of of the Victorian Coroners Act 1985 and examinations; forensic pathology, forensic science, operating under the auspices of the clinical forensic medicine and Section 66 (2) Department of Justice and reporting to associated fields as approved by the Parliament through the Attorney-General. • The Institute also has a function Council; We are also the Department of Forensic to ensure the provision of clinical Medicine at Monash University, with • To provide, promote and assist in the forensic medical services to our Director, Professor Stephen Cordner, provision of clinical forensic medicine the police force of Victoria and holding the Chair of Forensic Medicine. and related services to the police government bodies in accordance force of Victoria and government with agreements for services between The work of the Institute can be bodies; those bodies and the Institute. described as a cycle of three parts: • To promote, provide and assist in Section 66 (3) • Providing forensic medical & scientific under-graduate and post-graduate services and tissue banking; • The Institute also has a function to instruction in the field of clinical investigate, assess and instigate •Learning from this work, undertaking forensic medicine in Victoria; appropriate responses in respect of— research; and • To promote, provide and assist in the - The health or safety of a living • Teaching. teaching of and training in clinical sibling of a deceased child; and forensic medicine within medical, These roles are detailed in the legal, general health and other - The health of a parent of a objectives of the Institute in Part 9 of the education programs; and deceased child— where the Coroners Act 1985. death of that child constitutes a • To provide tissue banking facilities reviewable death. Our Legislation and services. Section 66 (4) We work in accordance with Section 66 of the Coroners Act 1985 predominantly two pieces of legislation: provides that the functions of the Institute The Institute also has a function to The Coroners Act 1985 and the Human are: remove, recieve, process, store and supply human tissue from deceased and Tissue Act 1982. Section 64(2) of the Section 66 (1) Coroners Act 1985 provides that the living persons. • To provide facilities and staff for the objects of the Institute are: In addition, The Human Tissue Act conduct of examinations in relation to 1982 regulates the donation of human • To provide, promote and assist in the deaths investigated under this Act; provision of forensic pathology and tissue by living persons and after death. related services in Victoria and, as • To conduct chemical, microscopic, It provides authority for post-mortem far as practicable, oversee and co- serological, toxicological and other examinations, prohibits the trading in ordinate those services in Victoria; examinations of tissue and fluids taken human tissue and gives a definition from deceased persons coming under of death. • To promote, provide and assist in the the jurisdiction of coroners in Victoria; post-graduate instruction and training of trainee specialist pathologists in the • To identify by radiological or Our History field of forensic pathology in Victoria; odontological examination or other The Victorian Institute of Forensic means the remains of deceased Pathology (VIFP) was established as a • To promote, provide and assist in the persons whose deaths are being statutory authority in 1987 to provide post-graduate instruction and training investigated under this Act; independent expertise and forensic of persons qualified in biological medical services to the justice system. A sciences in the field of toxicological • To conduct other appropriate history of national debate surrounding and forensic science in Victoria; investigations or examinations in relation to the cause of death of any compromised evidence in coronial and • To provide training facilities for person; forensic cases and the absolute need for doctors, medical undergraduates independence and high quality forensic and such other persons as may • To properly document and record scientific evidence were at the forefront be considered appropriate by findings and results of investigations of its establishment. The VIFP role and examinations;
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report and function was therefore enshrined specialist medical, scientific, technical, in legislation as a policy response research and administrative fields. to address the substandard forensic Positioning the Institute to meet the services, mortuary and autopsy facilities challenge of attracting, developing and that existed at the time. retaining a skilled workforce in today’s To provide credible evidence and competitive market requires us to be independent expert opinion through innovative. We must provide a working academic interaction, teaching and environment that will enable employees research, it was important to establish to maximise their contribution to the the VIFP as a dual entity with Monash achievement of the Institute’s goals. University. The cycle of service, teaching The Institute recognises the importance and research is what underpins our of the contribution of the Institute’s ability to continue to make contributions people and the consequent obligation to justice, the community and the to provide a safe, supportive and families we serve. stimulating work environment for all its In 1995 the Institute amalgamated with employees which values, recognises the professional discipline of Clinical and rewards effort appropriately. Forensic Medicine and reflected this growth by a name change to the Our Working Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (”Institute”). The relationship with Relationships Monash University has also expanded The Institute’s success depends on the and now provides postgraduate strength of our working relationships training for qualifications in both with those to whom we report and with disciplines - Clinical Forensic Medicine our partners: the Attorney-General, the and Forensic Pathology. Minister for Health, their respective Departments, the State Coroner Twenty years from its beginnings, the and State Coroners Office, Monash Institute now provides the Victorian, University, the University of Melbourne, and on occasions, the Australian and Victoria Police, the Australian Federal international communities with expert Police and many others. and credible forensic medical services and tissue for transplantation and research. The Institute exists to sustain, promote, and improve forensic medicine and related disciplines through its service delivery and integrated teaching and research functions. Dedicated research, drawing on the unique and rich information generated and stored at the Institute will help to build our knowledge base in death and injury prevention for community safety and benefit.
Our People Our greatest and most valued asset is our highly skilled and committed staff. The Institute has a diverse workforce. We currently employ 161 staff working across the institute in a variety of James Heywood and Susan Dickie
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Chairperson’s Report
The Victorian Institute of Forensic work of the Committee ensures that the Medicine is committed to the Institute remains receptive to community development of forensic science. This attitudes towards forensic medicine, sentiment has been echoed in both while further aspiring to educate and domestic and international medical and inform the public. The Council wishes legal spheres. With support from the to extend its sincere thanks to Professor Government in this year’s State Budget Peter Sallman, who has recently retired the Institute will maintain its world as Chair of the Committee, for the leading edge. commitment he has shown in advancing forensic medicine in Victoria. The role of the State Coroner is vital to the effective adoption of forensic To my colleagues on the Council, and investigative tools within the State. The to the staff of the Institute, my thanks for service and expertise that the Coronial your contribution and support throughout members provide to the Institute and the the year. We are especially fortunate to State are immense. Collaboration with be supported by our Head of Corporate the Coroner has provided the Institute Services and Development, Ms Mari- with a beneficial legal foundation for its Ann Scott. continued technical development. Such I will shortly retire as Chair. I have been assistance and professional support will privileged to work with the Institute and, continue to provide the Institute with an in particular, Professor Stephen Cordner invaluable insight into the practicalities AM. Victorians may be proud of the of its forensic techniques. forensic science facilities and service the The Institute and its Council are Institute provides to the community. assisted by the Executive and Finance Committee also sitting as the Audit Committee. The work undertaken by the Committee has proven an invaluable resource in further strengthening the Institute’s financial position. An The Hon. Marilyn Warren AC organisation such as this, is reliant Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on accurate and strategic financial of Victoria planning. The Committee has provided such a service, whilst also widening its Chairperson of the Victorian Institute expertise base with new membership. of Forensic Medicine The continued evolution of the Committee will further ensure the Institute is financially viable well into the future. The Ethics Committee is another resource body within the Institute’s governance structure. This Committee provides the Institute with a working group dedicated to the many ethical and moral concerns new forensic technology can encounter. Community confidence and a strong belief in the work of the Institute are paramount to the effective delivery of new methodology and research. The calibre and contribution of the Ethics Committee have also added to the Institute’s recognition as a leader in forensic medicine technology. The
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
were provided from the Department report that Dr Noel Woodford has been of Justice. Liz Eldridge is moving on to appointed Head of Forensic Pathology, become CEO at ‘Invest Assist’ in the effective from July 4, 2008. Noel Department of Infrastructure, Innovation graduated MBBS from the University and Rural Development, and we wish of Melbourne in 1987 and started her all the best in that. In addition, down a surgical path. He crossed over along with others in what was a team to pathology, and after a stint with us, effort, Professor Olaf Drummer, was backed by three years in Sheffield in the instrumental in getting us over the line. UK, he returned to the Institute in 2003. He has been instrumental in establishing This success underscores the new era the CT scanner in the daily routine of the upon which we are about to embark. organisation as well as maintaining a We will be taking the opportunity to 2007/08 – A turning heavy individual workload. re-develop our forensic pathology and point for the Institute related scientific and technical services. At the same time, other parts of the I don’t think there is any doubt that This will produce a strong operation organisation have been busy adding this year represents a turning point for in terms of timeliness of both autopsies gloss to our reputation. The Clinical the������ VIFM. and reports. As these improvements are Forensic Medicine Service, in addition dependent upon employing specialised to continuing to deliver all that is asked I am delighted to report that the year staff in short supply nationally and of it in Victoria, (having for 12 years has seen the beginning of the end of internationally, they will not occur now seen over 99% of those who a very difficult period for the Institute. immediately. But occur, they will. require our services within 2 hours of As has been highlighted in previous being requested, wherever they are in Annual Reports, the Institute has suffered The beginning of the new era is Victoria and whatever time of the day from demand pressures, particularly in already marked, I am glad to report, or night – a huge achievement) has the area of its forensic pathology and by excellent co-operation with the State been, under contract, overseeing the related scientific services. It is important Coroner and her staff. The feeling of service in the ACT. For his services to that I acknowledge particularly the mutual goodwill is palpable and is a forensic medicine generally, and to post work of pathologists, scientists and wonderful basis for producing good graduate teaching particularly, Associate technical staff who have shouldered outcomes for those who are in the midst Professor David Wells received a Medal workloads substantially higher than of the various crises that bring them into in the Order of Australia in the most those elsewhere. In addition these contact with us, and good outcomes recent Queen’s Birthday Honours List. demand pressures have also put the for justice. This coincides with the It is hard to imagine a more deserved building itself under strain, a building development of a new Coroners Act, award, and I would like to take this that has had very heavy use now for following the review by the Victorian opportunity to express my thanks to him twenty years. A huge amount of work Parliament Law Reform Committee of for all he has done for the Institute and was put in to developing the business the Coroners Act 1985, the report his discipline, especially since his move case, in conjunction with our Executive of which was tabled in September here in 1995. Director in the Department of Justice, 2006, and the government’s response Liz Eldridge, for additional Government and subsequent Coroners System Our Forensic and Scientific Services funding. The effort was rewarded Reform Project led by the Department have continued to perform sterling with the recent announcement of a of Justice. This year Institute staff have work during the year. The Toxicology significantly enhanced recurrent budget, participated in various working groups Service is increasingly recognised and a capital injection to rebuild the and contributed to the significant for its leadership position within the mortuary and related works. efforts involved in developing the new discipline, reflected in part by Professor legislative and procedural reforms. We Drummer’s election as President The successful outcome could not look forward to the passage of the new of the International Association of have been achieved without Mari-Ann Act through Parliament later this year, Forensic Toxicologists. Forensic Scott, our new Head of Corporate and to working closely with the State technical staff, human identification Services, who was appointed in July Coroner and her colleagues and staff in staff (odontologists, anthropologists), 2007. On behalf of the Institute I thank implementing the changes to the system histologists and molecular biologists her very much for her leadership and to improve the services we provide. have also shouldered heavy workloads energy in driving our funding bid to a without complaint and I would like to successful conclusion. I am also very In the area of medico-legal death acknowledge that. grateful for the enormous support we investigation, I am also delighted to
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria Institute, the Clinical Liaison Service was The laboratory has been increasingly has been working closely with an established. This arose from a successful relied upon in recent times for its human Interdepartmental Working Group, grant application from Associate identification capabilities. We all wish chaired by the Executive Director Professor Ranson in the area of patient Bentley well in his retirement. (Legal & Equity) in the Department of safety to evaluate the intersection with Finally, and on a sad note, I need Justice, Liz Eldridge, to fashion advice coroners’ death investigation. As a to record the death of Dr Douglas to ministers about the future of tissue consequence Victoria leads the way Fullerton, a founding member of our banking in Victoria. The Working Group in coroners being provided with the Ethics Committee. As far as I am was established in response to positive right advice in relation to health care aware, we were the first forensic publicity about the work of the DTBV deaths where there are issues about the organisation anywhere to create an and the importance of preserving the patient’s management; and in hospitals Ethics Committee. Doug’s membership altruistic, not-for-profit nature of tissue and health care providers being of the Committee (arranged through the banking in Victoria. It is hoped that involved in coming to conclusions about good offices of its first chair, Professor the Working Group will complete its how to prevent them in future. Graeme Schofield) was a huge factor in work in the coming year. In this same In addition, with the support of its success, setting the tone for the work period we hope that the detail of the WorkCover, funding was made of the Institute generally, overseeing our Commonwealth’s recent announcement available for the Work Related Liaison research, and supporting the research of of a substantial package supporting Service which is undertaking research to others with the provision of human tissue the organ and tissue donation/ inform coronial recommendations for the donated for research purposes. A longer transplantation sector will become clear. prevention of future workplace deaths. obituary for Doug appears on p.12 in A national framework for the tissue These achievements are all unique to this report. banking sector is sorely needed. Victoria, built on the arrangements that I look forward to reporting next year on Another aspect of this turning point exist here, which have been recognised further progress at the VIFM. year was the ending of an era: the and utilised to great advantage by both conclusion of Graeme Johnstone’s Hal Hallenstein, the first State Coroner, tenure as State Coroner. By any and Graeme Johnstone, his successor. measure, Graeme’s contribution was These elements of our activities have substantial, and it changed the nature now been brought together under one of coronership. His passion for the Stephen Cordner banner as the Institute’s Prevention preventive role of coroner, and death Research Service. We have been very Professor of Forensic Medicine, investigation more broadly, has led to fortunate to have Professor Joan Ozanne- Monash University the incorporation of prevention as a Smith, previously from the Monash policy basis for the coroner’s system. Director, Victorian Institute of University Accident Research Centre, This will be reflected in the new Forensic Medicine join us to lead this new service. Joan is Coroner’s Act now being developed. widely acknowledged as the initiator of It was for this very specific reason that injury prevention research in Australia. Graeme initiated with the Attorney- General the review of the Act, leading I would like to record in this Annual to its referral to the Parliamentary Law Report two important retirements. Reform Committee. The first was of Marie Syrjanen who moved, after 19 years with us, to the Graeme’s level of commitment in using Forensic Services Department, Victoria the death investigation system to save Police. Starting in toxicology, Marie lives and prevent injury has other led the Institute on its long journey manifestations. Together with Associate into Quality Management. We were Professor David Ranson, (Deputy Director fortunate to have her at the helm, of the Institute), it resulted in the creation and I know I speak on everyone’s of the National Coroner’s Information behalf in wishing her well in her new System. This world-first initiative has appointment. The second retirement now become established as part of was of Dr Bentley Atchison. Bentley Australia’s injury prevention and human established our molecular biology safety infrastructure. In addition, under laboratory and forged a strong team Graeme’s watch and together with the providing nationally recognised work.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Corporate governance
The Victorian Institute of Forensic The Governing Body specified in the guidelines including, but Medicine was established in 1986 – The Victorian Institute not limited to: by Part 9 of the Coroners Act 1985. • Maintenance of separate Audit Section 67(1) of that Act provides that of Forensic Medicine Committee agenda and items, and the governing body of the Institute is the Council Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine The Victorian Institute of Forensic • Nominating qualified Audit EFC Council. The composition of the Council Medicine Council meets quarterly and, Committee members to be the Institute is set out in section 67(2) and the through this Annual Report, reports to the Audit Committee members. current members are listed below. Attorney-General on the operations of In performing its duties, the Committee The Institute is headed by Professor the Institute as soon as practicable after maintains effective working relationships Stephen Cordner. He holds the Chair in the end of the financial year. Council with the Council, management, internal Forensic Medicine at Monash University. members are required to discharge their and external auditors. In accordance with section 68(1) of the duties in good faith, honestly and in the See Appendix E for membership. Coroners Act 1985, the person who best interests of the Institute. They are holds the Chair in Forensic Medicine to use the powers of office for proper at Monash University is the Director of purposes, act with required care and OTHER COMMITTEES the Institute. diligence and avoid conflicts of interest. Other Council Committees include The Director is responsible to the the Ethics Committee, the Donor The Institute is allocated funding through Council for the overall performance of Tissue Bank Advisory Board and the the Department of Justice with its primary the Institute and is required to manage National Coroners Information System function to provide forensic pathology, the Institute in accordance with the Committee. Their roles and membership clinical forensic medicine and related strategy, plans and policies approved are described in Appendix E services to the State, as required by by the Council. The Council’s Executive section 66 of the Coroners Act 1985. Officer assists the Council in meeting its Retirements and New The Director, in overseeing the provision administrative and statutory obligations. of these services, reports to the Council, Appointments which in turn reports to State Parliament The Council Committees Graeme Johnstone retired as State through the Attorney-General. Coroner, and therefore from the The Council has four working As a logical flow on from this service Council, on 28th November 2007. committees to ensure compliance with delivery and in accordance with the legislative, accreditation and other Judge Jennifer Coate commenced as objects set out in section 64 of the regulatory requirements. State Coroner on 29th November Coroners Act 1985, the Institute teaches 2007 and joined the Council from students and conducts research. It that date. carries out these responsibilities as Executive and Finance the Department of Forensic Medicine Committee Professor Steven Wesselingh joined the at Monash University. In this role, the The Executive and Finance Committee Council on 21st September 2007 as Director as the Professor of Forensic is a sub-committee reporting to Council, the Nominee of the Council of Monash Medicine acts under the auspices set up to assist the Council in fulfilling University. of the Monash University’s Faculty of its financial oversight responsibilities The position of Nominee of the Minister Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences pursuant to the Financial Management of Community Services remains vacant. and reports to the Dean of the Faculty Act 1994 (Vic). through the School of Public Health and See Appendix E for fuller details Preventive Medicine. and membership. The Institute is formally affiliated with the University of Melbourne to Audit Committee promote teaching and research at an These duties include responsibility for the undergraduate and postgraduate level. Audit Committee functions as specified in the State Government’s Financial Management Compliance Guidelines. The Chair ensures that the Audit Committee functions are conducted as
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS
1 The Honourable Marilyn Warren, appointments included Secretary of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Department of Education, Secretary of Victoria, Chairperson and Nominee of the Department of Tourism, Sport and the Attorney General the Commonwealth Games, Director of Schools, and senior roles in the 1 2 Chief Justice Warren was appointed Departments of Health and Community as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Services. Between 2001-03 he was a of Victoria in November 2003. She is Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at the University the first woman to have been appointed of Melbourne. He is a Director of to this office in any Australian Supreme the Australian Institute of Health and Court. Her Honour commenced her Welfare, and the Australia and New legal career in the Victorian Public 3 4 Zealand School of Government, and Service and was admitted to practice Vice President of the Victorian Division in 1975. She was employed in various of the Institute of Public Administration. government legal offices including as a senior legal policy adviser to three Attorneys-General, the Hon. Hadden 3. Professor James A. Angus, Dean Storey QC, the Hon. John Cain and of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry 5 6 the Hon. James Kennan SC. She was and Health Sciences, University of later appointed an assistant chief Melbourne, Nominee of the University parliamentary counsel. of Melbourne Her Honour signed the Roll of the James Angus was appointed Dean Victorian Bar in 1985 and practised of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry predominantly in the areas of and Health Sciences at the University 7 8 administrative law, commercial law of Melbourne in July 2003. Before and town planning. She served as a becoming Dean, he was Professor member of the Bar Council’s Law Reform and Head of the Department of Committee for eight years from 1986 Pharmacology and Deputy Dean of to 1994. In 1997 she was appointed the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Queen’s Counsel. In 1998 she was Health Sciences. At the University of appointed to the Supreme Court of Melbourne, Professor Angus has been 9 10 Victoria and presided in all jurisdictions, President of the Academic Board in particular, the Corporations List and (2000-01) and Pro Vice-Chancellor the Commercial List of which she was (1999-2001). the judge in charge for three-and-a- Professor Angus was awarded the half years. Her Honour has sat in a Gottschalk Medal of the Australian number of significant trials and appeals, Academy of Science (1984), is a 11 12 including the Computershare cases, the Fellow of the Academy (FAA) and has Ansett Superannuation and Disctronics been a member of its Council. In 2003 Cases, and the Popovic appeal. Her he was awarded Australia’s Centenary Honour continues to sit in all jurisdictions Medal for contribution to Pharmacology in her capacity as Chief Justice. and the Community. 2. Mr. Peter Allen, Under Secretary, Professor Angus was a First Vice- 13 Portfolio Services and Strategic President of the International Union Projects in the Department of Human of Pharmacology (IUPHAR) and Services, Nominee of the Minister of was President of the Australasian Health Society of Clinical and Experimental Peter Allen is currently Under Secretary, Pharmacologists and Toxicologists. Portfolio Services and Strategic Projects His current roles include directorships of in the Department of Human Services the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Bionic and the Victorian Government’s Ear Institute, Mental Health Research Chief Drug Strategy Officer. Previous Institute, Melbourne Health, Centre
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report for Eye Research Australia, National Aid Commission, then in Policy and Institute of Forensic Medicine in 1987. Ageing Research Institute, and Victor Research in the Attorney-General’s He came to the position from Guys Smorgon Institute at Epworth Pty Ltd. Department before being appointed as Hospital Medical School in London a Magistrate in March 1992. where he was a Consultant Home Office Pathologist and Senior Lecturer in 4. Magistrate Felicity Broughton, In December 1995, Her Honour Forensic Medicine. Nominee of the Minister for Women’s took up an appointment as the Senior Affairs Magistrate at the Children’s Court and In more recent years, Professor Cordner Ms Broughton has served as Victorian in September 1996 was promoted to has developed his interest in the Magistrate since 2000 and as Victims the position of Deputy Chief Magistrate. intersection of Forensic Medicine and of Crime Assistance Tribunal Supervising Human Rights. This has involved work On 23 June 2000, she was appointed Magistrate from 2001 to 2004. From in East Timor and Kosovo as well as a as a Judge of the County Court and on 1981 to 2000 she was a solicitor year as Consultant in Forensic Pathology 26 June 2000 as the first President of in private practice, with particular to the International Committee of the the Children’s Court of Victoria. experience in matters relating to sexual Red Cross (ICRC) based in Geneva. assault, family violence and other In October 2001, Judge Coate This last posting, in 2003, involved criminal matters. She has served as a was appointed as a part-time work on the ICRC’s project The Missing member of the Victorian Community Commissioner to the Victorian Law and included missions to the Former Council Against Violence since 1994, Reform Commission. She commenced Yugoslavia and Iraq, and most recently as a member of the Victorian Institute sitting at the County Court on a full to Burma. of Forensic Medicine Council and the time basis in April 2006. Judge Coate Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine was appointed State Coroner on 29 8. Deputy Commissioner, Simon Ethics Committee since 2000, and November 2007. Overland, Victoria Police, Nominee of as a member of the Legal Professional the Chief Commissioner for Police Tribunal from 1997 to 2000. She was 6. Professor Robert Conyers, Senior Simon Overland was promoted to also a board member of the Children’s Consultant Pathologist, Nominee of Deputy Commissioner, Victoria Police Protection Society from 1993 to 2000 the Attorney-General and President from 1996 to 1999. on the 3 July 2006. He had been Professor Robert Conyers has previously the Assistant Commissioner Crime spent more than 25 years in public from February 2003 to July 2006. hospital pathology in New South 5. Her Honour Judge Jennifer Coate, In this role he became widely known Wales, South Australia and Victoria. State Coroner, Victoria for his leadership of the Purana Task His last public position was as Director Force; investigating a series of violent Her Honour initially worked for four of Pathology for the North West Health murders and associated offences years as a teacher in Victoria’s primary Care Network (which included Royal within entrenched organised crime schools after completing a Teaching Melbourne and Western Hospitals). networks. He continues to have overall Diploma at Frankston Teachers’ College. He was Group Medical Director for responsibility for this task force in his In between completing the diploma and the Gribbles Group 1998-2005, and current role. teaching she also completed an Arts currently works sessionally as a senior degree at Monash University majoring consultant pathologist at Analytical Prior to joining Victoria Police in in Linguistics and English Literature. After Reference Laboratories. He also serves February 2003, Deputy Commissioner teaching and travelling the world, in that on the boards of several not-for-profit Overland served 19 years with the order, she returned to study full-time and organisations such as AMA Victoria Australian Federal Police (AFP). He rose completed a Law Degree at Monash and the Royal College of Pathologists through the ranks to become the AFP’s University. of Australasia where he is the senior Chief Operating Officer and prior to After completing her Articles, Her vice-president. leaving the AFP, he was selected by Australia’s Police Commissioners to lead Honour worked as an employee 7. Professor Stephen Cordner, Director the Implementation Team that formed the solicitor and later entered a partnership of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Australian Crime Commission in January practising in Fitzroy and East Melbourne Medicine in family law, criminal law, crimes 2003. Professor Cordner was appointed compensation and Children’s Court Deputy Commissioner Overland has Foundation Professor of Forensic work. After selling the practices she a Bachelor of Arts in Administration, Medicine at Monash University and worked as a duty lawyer for the Legal a Bachelor of Laws with first class Foundation Director of the Victorian honours, and a Graduate Diploma
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS in Legal Studies. He is a Fellow of 11. Professor Steve Wesselingh, TAC. Tim is a qualified accountant the Institute of Public Administration of Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and a fellow of the CPA and is also Australia, a Member of the Australian Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash a member of the Institute’s Audit Institute of Company Directors and was University, Nominee of Monash Committee and Executive Management awarded the Australian Police Medal University Committee. in 2007. Professor Steve Wesselingh commenced 13. Ms Mari-Ann Scott, Head of his appointment as Dean of the Faculty Corporate Services and Development, 9. Mr. Neil Robertson, Acting of Medicine and Nursing and Health Executive Officer to Council Executive Director of Legal & Equity, Sciences in October 2007. It was Nominee of the Minister of Police and a return to Monash, building on his Mari-Ann Scott was appointed to the Emergency Services previous role with the University as role of Head of Corporate Services Professor and Director of the Infectious & Development at this Institute in July Mr Robertson currently leads the Diseases unit at The Alfred Hospital. 2007. She is responsible the Institute’s Criminal Law Policy team in the corporate functions. She is the Chief Initially trained as an Infectious Diseases Department of Justice and is involved in Finance & Accounting Officer and is the physician, he completed a PhD and the development of legislative proposals Executive Officer for Council. gained a fellowship to John Hopkins for the Victorian Government. Neil is a University in Baltimore where he Prior to joining the Institute, Mari-Ann member of the Institute’s Executive and became Assistant Professor in 1993. held the role a relationship manager in Finance and Audit Committees. He is Returning to Australia in 1994, he the Budget & Financial Management also a Director and Company Secretary set up a Neurovirology Research Unit Division of the Department of Treasury of Crime Stoppers Victoria Ltd. at Flinders University and returned to & Finance and before this she held a Victoria as the Director of the Burnet range of senior positions in the health 10. Her Honour Judge Meryl Sexton, Institute in 2002. Passionate about sector. Mari-Ann is an economist Nominee of the Chief Justice the translation of high-quality medical by training. She holds a Master of research into appropriate biotechnology Philosophy Degree in Health Economics. Judge Sexton was appointed to the to improve the health of people in County Court in 2001. Before that, she Australia and challenged countries in had been a Crown Prosecutor since the region, Professor Wesselingh is 1995, and from 1997 to 2001, was recognised internationally as an expert an Advocate Member of the Legal in viruses affecting the human brain. Profession Tribunal. Judge Sexton is the author of a chapter on the law relating to sexual offences 12. Mr. Tim Fitzmaurice, Member in Victoria, in the work Criminal Law Executive Finance Committee and Victoria published by Thompson Audit Committee Legal & Regulatory Group. She has Mr Fitzmaurice is currently the Chief lectured extensively on the practice and Finance & Accounting Officer and procedure of criminal law to a variety the Secretary to the Audit and Risk of groups. Management Committee for the Judge Sexton was a member of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). Advisory Committee to the Victorian He joined the TAC in 1987 after Law Reform Commission on Sexual working with the State Insurance Office. Offences: Law and Procedure, is He has held a number of senior roles currently a member of the State at the TAC in the areas of finance Government’s Sexual Assault Advisory and accounting, risk management, Committee, and a member of the investments and information technology. Advisory Committee for the Child In his current role, Mr Fitzmaurice is Witness Service. In October 2005, she responsible for providing financial became the inaugural Judge in Charge management and leadership, financial of the Sex Offences List in the County governance and has oversight of risk Court, a position which she still holds. management and assurance for the
10 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report OBITUARY
Vale The Rev Dr Douglas Others in the UK and elsewhere Fullerton however had been disrupted and discontinued as a result of the 19/4/1918 – 18/4/2008 adverse public sentiment arising from The Institute was saddened to learn of the scandal. Doug Fullerton’s death in April this year. This episode well illustrates Doug’s He had only recently retired from the highly attuned sense of medical ethics Institute Ethics Committee at the end In 1998 Doug led a motion to suspend and his ability to assimilate community of 2007. Doug was an outstanding the Institute’s research tissue program views and expectations. Since his first member since its establishment in 1989 in order to review the policy in relation formal study of medical ethics at King’s and his contribution to decision-making to consent to use of tissue. The policy College he also consistently updated on research applications was, without at the time was based on provisions of his knowledge of medical ethics issues fail, well-considered, insightful and the Human Tissue Act 1982 (Vic) that with attendance at relevant conferences practical, and always taking account provide that authority for an autopsy is and memberships in professional of the unique subject matter of the authority to use tissue removed for the associations and through part-time applications, the majority of which are purpose of an autopsy for therapeutic, teaching appointments in the medical for use of human tissue removed at medical or scientific purposes, without faculty at Monash University as a tutor coronial autopsies. He brought to this the requirement for consent from the in medical ethics. This complemented role a vast wealth of life experience deceased person or next of kin. At his academic and other achievements as a minister of the Uniting Church, the Institute, reliance was placed on which include a PhD in theology and from numerous other community the VIFM Ethics Committee to provide from Drew University in the USA and and sporting activities, as well as review of applications from researchers numerous appointments, including as an impressive academic record and seeking access to human tissue removed Professor of Christian Ethics Uniting over 20 years service on seven other at coronial autopsy. Church Theological Hall and United institutional ethics committees. At the suspension of the program the Faculty of Theology, Melbourne Doug was amongst the first cohort to Institute held a forum to discuss the (1977-83) consultant on theological undertake a Postgraduate Diploma issue of consent, at which Doug was field education for the Association on in Medical Ethics and Law at King’s the keynote speaker. The subsequent Theological Education in South East College in London in 1985 and was development of protocols ensuring Asia, working in Thailand, Hong Kong, subsequently appointed to the Human that next of kin are approached and Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, Research Ethics Committees of: informed consent sought for retrieval Malaysia and Indonesia – all of which of tissue for research purposes was enriched his ability to contribute as a • Walter and Eliza Hall Institute significantly influenced by his actions of Medical Research 1986 -99 highly valued member of the Institute’s and views. Protocols in relation to and other ethics committees. (Chairman 1990-94) retention of organs for diagnostic • The Alfred Hospital 1986-99 purposes were also reviewed and Doug will be fondly remembered by amended as a consequence. all those who knew him at the Institute. • Lincoln Institute 1986-88 Our challenge is to ensure his legacy of When the “organ retention scandal” • Royal Women’s Hospital 1991-99 fearless contribution to ethical debate on in the United Kingdom (UK) was difficult issues lives on in the institution. (Chairman 1996-99) made public in 2000, and pathology • Mount Royal Hospital/North-West practices around the world were Hospital (1987-96) scrutinised, the Institute was in the fortunate position of having already • Angliss Hospital (within eastern Health made changes in line with community care Network 1996-) expectations and the changing ethical • Royal Melbourne Hospital Research environment, which Doug was able Foundation – Clinical Research and to identify and articulate effectively. Ethics Committee, (locum) 1990- The voluntary suspension of the 2000, and Institute’s research tissue program and its resumption following the review of • The VIFM Ethics Committee. policy and procedures meant that it has been able to continue successfully.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 11 Organisational Structure
Operational Model Council of the VIFM The Institute’s Operational Model describes how we are organised, Director Office of Director how we function internally and how the Institute plans to meet the needs of Victoria’s communities and play Forensic & Scientific Prevention Research Corporate Services a leading role in forensic medicine, Medical Services Donor Tissue Bank Services Services & Development locally, nationally and internationally. National Coroners Finance & Business Forensic Pathology Mortuary Operations Operations Information System Servives The Operational Model is based Clinical Forensic Transplant & Family Clinical Liaison Organisational Toxicology on a collegial model of internal Medicine Liaison Service Development & HR
Work-Related Liaison governance and organisational Quality & Training Technology Services Molecular Biology Service behaviour. The model recognises the mutual contribution, participation Histology and requirements of all members of Human Identification Services the Institute. It involves collaboration and consultation, sharing the load, sharing decision-making and sharing personnel and publication of responsibilities across the Institute. We Our Services research papers. cohere around an Institute-wide agenda Our statutory responsibility is the and the leadership roles of the Director provision of independent, expert and Clinical Forensic Medicine and Institute Council. credible forensic medical services to the Clinical Forensic Medicine provides forensic medical services to the living, The way we are organised and the justice system, tissue for transplantation, expert forensic medical opinions way in which we work enables us to teaching and research. We deliver this regarding the investigation of crime, adapt to the flexible, intellectual nature via four services: and assessment of the suitability to of the Institute as a medical, scientific • Medical Services; drive. The service has funding and and academic organisation. The model service level agreements with Victoria is designed to work in the best interests • Forensic and Scientific Services; Police and the Department of Human of the entire Institute as a single entity • Prevention Research Services; and Services. The clinical forensic medicine and to integrate the respective Services • Tissue Banking Services. service accommodates the only and Portfolios, described in more postgraduate teaching programs in detail below. The current model is a Medical Services clinical forensic medicine and forensic general blueprint which is flexible and Medical Services combines the two nursing in the Southern Hemisphere. subject to progressive modification and medical streams of forensic pathology improvement as the Institute’s thinking and clinical forensic medicine. Forensic and Scientific Services and operations evolve. Forensic Pathology� Forensic and Scientific Services provide There are two high level leadership Forensic Pathology delivers the forensic scientific support service for and management groups, the Institute core service of medico-legal death forensic pathology and clinical forensic Leadership Group (ILG) and the Institute investigations to the Victorian State medicine, and comprises the disciplines Operations group (IOG), which provide Coroner, including provision of expert and units of: the basis for a cohesive and integrated opinion at inquest and in the Criminal • Forensic Technical Services (mortuary approach to the Institute’s work. Heads courts. Upon request and subject to operations); of Services and middle managers are availability, it provides services to the members of the ILG and IOG and share Australian Federal Police in the ACT and • Toxicology; responsibility for a range of strategic, elsewhere in our region including the • Molecular Biology; operational and leadership functions. Solomon Islands and Tonga. In addition, • Histology; and our forensic pathologists provide a Organisational Structure range of services including the provision • Human Identification Services The diagram above shows the Institute’s of medical and legal opinions for the (forensic anthropology and organisational structure including the justice system, production of academic odontology). reporting lines and arrangements for texts, delivery of training programs to individual roles and responsibilities. medical, legal and emergency service
12 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Prevention Research Services The Institute has undertaken prevention information and research activities over many years. The Prevention Research Service was established at the Institute in late 2007 in recognition of the Institute’s powerful contribution to society in this area and even greater potential for the future, reflected also in the expected focus on prevention of the new Coroner Act. This Service aims to coordinate and develop prevention research and data systems with the goal of contributing to reductions in deaths, serious injury and disease in Victoria and beyond. It focuses on high quality data and research outputs and endeavours to facilitate broader integration of a public health approach to prevention at the Jaspreet Sidhu Institute. we have to donors and donor families Portfolios The Prevention Research Service to properly honour their gift. The The portfolios concept was introduced includes the: DTBV provides support to the families to advance and embed areas of the • Clinical Liaison Service; of donors and to end users of Institute’s work that flow across all donated tissue. services. • National Coroners Information System; Corporate Services & Office of Research Portfolio the Director The Research Portfolio has continued • Work-Related Liaison Service; and Our obligation to use our resources to support research conducted at • General Prevention Research Services productively demands a high standard the Institute to maximise outputs and including: of management practice. Corporate where possible to foster collaborative Services includes the business approaches across the organisation and - collaborative projects with the management functions of Governance with outside researchers. This has been Monash University Accident & Risk, Finance and Business Services, directed by Professor Olaf Drummer with Research Centre; and Human Resources, Quality Management the support of Professor Joan Ozanne- - ARC Discovery Grant led by and Technology Services, which Smith as Principal Research Fellow. Melbourne University (Mortality provide support and enabling services profile of Victoria’s Aboriginal across the Institute. The Institute has developed a strategy to prioritise research into five themes: children 1998-2008). The Office of Director includes also road safety, use and validation of CT Tissue Banking Services the Deputy Director and the Manager scanner, biometrics and epidemiology Tissue Banking Services are delivered of Medico-Legal Policy and projects. of sudden death, pharmacogenomics through the Donor Tissue Bank of During the course of the year, the and adverse drug reactions, and use of Victoria (DTBV) which was established Manager of Information and Data biotechnology and other evolving tissue in 1989 as a central facility to retrieve, Analysis took responsibility for engineering processes in tissue banking. process, store and distribute cardiac managing the building redevelopment and related tissue, musculoskeletal project and therefore moved to report to A Research Advisory Group is consulted tissue, skin and corneas. Its operational the Head of Corporate Services from time to time to assist in the model is unique in Australia. We are and Development. development of research themes and acutely aware of the special nature of directions and to foster collaborations. human tissue and the altruism behind its The group has supported the Institute’s donation and the significant obligation Ethics Committee to peer review research applications for merit prior
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 13 Organisational Structure to consideration by the Committee for Further plans for the Portfolio include: the specific actions, budgets, measures ethical issues. and responsibilities inherent in delivering • Development of a range of specific outcomes. Communications and Relationships specialised teaching units and courses Portfolio aimed at Forensic Service providers At June 30 2008 this planning process Directed by Associate Professor David throughout Australasia; was nearing completion. Ranson, the��������������������� Communications and • Enhancing the teaching skills of Relationships Portfolio was established Institute staff; in 2006 with the aim of improving and enhancing the reputation of the Institute • Further development of the by: administrative support for the Portfolio; • Promoting the achievements and - Development of training developments of the Institute, in the programs for staff and a range of fields of: stakeholders; and - death and injury prevention; - Creation of partnerships with interstate and overseas providers - crime detection; to assist in the development and - research; delivery programs. - teaching; and Ms Vicki McAuliffe has been contracted by the Institute to enhance - major new developments and ideas the administrative capacity of the in the forensic sciences; Department of Forensic Medicine. Her • Raising awareness of Institute and its input to date has been invaluable in public profile; providing a better understanding of the financial aspects of teaching programs • Attracting funding for the Institute and improving communication between - research and services; and the Faculty, School, and the Department • Promoting the Institute as a world-class of Forensic Medicine. institution in which to work, study or establish a partnership. The Institute’s Strategic Plan During the first half of 2008, the Institute Education Portfolio embarked on development of a new The role of the Education Portfolio is to five year Strategic Plan 2008 – 2012. coordinate and develop educational This Strategic Plan is pivotal for the activities. Directed by Associate Institute as it launches us into our second Professor David Wells, the main twenty years, the second generation. Its focus has been continuation of the success will depend upon some crucial postgraduate programs in forensic personality traits of the organisation, medicine, pathology and nursing. especially our collegiality, a shared Each of these programs is unique in the vision, direction and responsibility for English speaking world and has proven achieving our goals. to be most successful in attracting students from all Australian jurisdictions The plan is a high-level, overarching and from Europe, Asia, Africa and strategic plan. It is designed to guide the Americas. The programs provide and assist the Institute in realising the flexible teaching programs delivered key goals which are fundamental to through Monash University at Graduate achieving our vision and delivering Certificate, Graduate Diploma or our mission. The strategic plan is Masters levels. complemented by an Institute Business Plan, developed annually, which articulates in full detail, by Service area,
14 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Diversity reporting
All areas of the Institute involved in coronial death investigations are aware that cultural and religious practices surrounding death are of foremost importance to the families of the deceased. Institute staff work cooperatively with the State Coroners Office so that the arrangements for the management of the body of the deceased while at the Coronial Service Centre, accommodate cultural and religious requirements wherever possible. This includes management by only female staff for a deceased female where this is culturally appropriate. Facilities are provided for religious requirements following death, including extended periods of attendance by families. Handling of skeletal remains from our indigenous community requires special care to take account of cultural beliefs. The Institute works with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria to ensure correct documentation and return of remains. The Institute continues to foster workplace diversity and demonstrated its commitment to an inclusive work environment through a number of workplace diversity initiatives throughout the year. These initiatives focused on providing education and training opportunities to Pathologists from Japan and Korea and offering a Director’s Scholarship to a doctor from Sri Lanka to undertake post-graduate training in Forensic Pathology.
Clare Holmes
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 15 Operational Reporting to Government, Budget Paper 3
The Institute reports to the Government via the Budget Paper 3 (BP3) statistics. The information provides an accrued measure of quantity, quality and timeliness against targets set at the start of each year. The results for this year are tabulated below with a discussion on each. Measure Target Outcome Variance Quantity Number of Medico Legal Investigations 3000 4309 +43.6% Quality VIFM Quality Audit 95% 98% +3% Timeliness Reports issued within agreed timelines 70% 67% -3%
These figures compare with those for 2006-07 as follows:
Measure 2006/07 2007/08 Change Number of Medico Legal Investigations 4076 4309 +5.7% VIFM Quality Audit 92% 98% +6% Reports issued within agreed timelines 74% 67% -7%
Number of Medico-Legal Death Reports Issued within Agreed Investigations Timelines The agreed target for this measure Only 67% of reports were issued in 2007-08 was 3000 investigations. within agreed timelines for 2007-08 The Institute performed 4309 as compared with a target measure of such investigations which is 43.6% 70%. While this is close to the required over target. measure the report turnaround times have declined. It is likely that, despite ‘Increases in the Victorian population, our successful ERC bid, this measure the ageing of this population and will continue to run under target for increasing numbers of deaths reported a number of months as a significant by medical practitioners to the coroner number of reports have a lead time of have combined to significantly increase over three months. the workload of the VIFM.’
Quality� Audit of VIFM Reports A quarterly audit is carried out of the quality of autopsy reports produced by the Institute. This audit process resulted in 98% of reports reaching the defined quality criteria as compared with a target measure of 95%.
16 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
For the 2007-08 financial year, the Change Institute has reported an operating Financial 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2006-07 deficit of $1,311,580. The deficit performance $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 to for the 2006-07 financial year was 2007-08 $171,495. Total income 14,252 14,162 13,912 16,420 18,702 +12% Total Income for 2007-08 has increased 13,674 13,832 15,586 16,592 20,014 +17% by $2,281,783, whilst expenditure expenses also increased in 2007-08 by Net operating 578 330 (1,674) (171) (1,312) -87% $3,421,868. result Total income increased due to Total assets 8,959 12,193 10,519 10,263 11,775 +13% additional appropriation revenue received from the Department of Justice. Total liabilities 2,248 3,334 3,335 3,477 4,596 +24% Employee entitlements increased by $2,144,203 from 2006-07 to FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2007-08. Expenditure on the purchase $ 000 of supplies and services also increased by $1,361,323 from 2006-07 to 25,000 Net operating result 2007-08. Total expenses The above table and graph summarises Total income the financial performance of the Institute 20,000 over the past five years.
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Financial year -5,000
TOTAL INCOME VERSUS Change 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 2006-07 to Income % 2007-08 The following graphs indicate the $ $ $ composition of the Institute’s income $ and expenditure for the year ended Appropriation 6,670,039 8,146,065 10,394,220 2,248,155 22% 30 June 2008 and comparatives to income prior periods. Other income 7,241,521 8,274,227 8,307,855 33,628 0.4%
TOTAL 13,911,560 16,420,292 18,702,075 2,281,783 12%
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 17 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
INCOME TOTAL INCOME TOTAL EXPENDITURE Over a three year period the movement in funding for activities was as follows: • Total Institute income was $18,702,075 for the 2007-08 financial year. This represents an increase of $2,281,783 from the 2006-07 financial year. • Other income has grown year on year and is particularly driven by work for the Victorian Police.
Revenue from the rendering of services 34.2% Supplies and services 32.2%
Donor Tissue Bank 9.6% Depreciation and amortisation 3.5%
EXPENDITURE Appropriation income 55.6% Employee entitlements 64.1% Expenditure from 2006-07 to Interest revenue 0.6% Other expenses 0.2% 2007-08 increased by $3,421,868. The apportionment of the expenditure TOTAL INCOME TOTAL EXPENDITURE in the 2007-08 financial year is shown below. Expenditure continues to grow in $000 Interest Income $000 Other expenses response to service demands primarily Fee for Service income Supplies and services 20,000 25,000 driven by provision of services to the DTBV income Depreciation and amortisation Coroners Office. Grants Income Employee entitlements 20,000 The Institute’s principal output against 15,000 appropriation revenue is the provision of 15,000
Forensic and Pathology resources and 10,000 services to the Victorian State Coroners 10,000 Office. The growing need for these services from an increasing population 5,000 5,000 base that is predominantly skewed by ageing factors creates an ongoing 0 0 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 growth in expenditure driven by demand. Financial year Financial year Change 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2006-07 to Expenses % $ $ $ 2007-08 $ Employee entitlements 9,781,455 10,677,741 12,821,944 2,144,203 17% Depreciation and 698,469 790,006 699,818 (90,188) -13% amortisation Supplies and services 4,457,348 5,085,542 6,446,865 1,361,323 21% Other expenses 648,694 38,498 45,028 6,530 15% TOTAL 15,585,966 16,591,787 20,013,655 3,421,868 17%
BUDGET VERSUS ACTUAL CONSULTANCIES RESULTS None The actual 2007-08 financial year result for the Institute for income versus Disclosure of major expenditure is a deficit of $1,311,580. contracts The budgeted result for 2007-08 using budgeted income and expenditure was There were no major contracts entered a deficit of $28,000. into by the Institute in 2007-08.
18 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Operational Reporting
Operational reporting will be 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 categorised by legislative objectives set in the Coroners Act 1985. Full Autopsy 2422 2353 2370 1990 2169 2224 2383 Referral from BDM 0 60 145 373 398 444 444 Section 64(2) (a) of the Inspection and report 140 321 380 475 495 452 487 Coroners Act 1985 Section 29 (objection to 183 220 324 520 590 729 792 “ to provide, promote and assist in autopsy) the provision of forensic pathology Death Certificate report 228 217 243 238 211 228 203 and related services in Victoria and, Total 2973 3171 3462 3596 3863 4077 4309 as far as practicable, oversee and co- increase over previous year 7% 9% 4% 7% 6% 6% ordinate those services in Victoria.�”
This refers to the medico-legal death investigations carried out for the NUMBER OF DECEASED ADMITTED TO VIFM
Victorian State Coroner and includes 4000 management of the deceased while at the Institute and all medical and 3500 scientific investigations required to complete the final report. 3000
Quantity 2500 Admissions The year 2007-08 continues to show 2000 an increase in workload for the forensic 1500 services provided to the Victorian State
Coroner. This can be seen in the graph 1000 below showing an 8% increase in the number of deceased admitted to the 500 Institute this year, as compared with
2006-07 and a huge 33% increase 0 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 as compared with 2001-02. These increased admissions have a flow- on effect to most areas of the Institute remained much the same as 2006-07 including Forensic Pathology services with 55% being full autopsies for both and all sections of Forensic and periods. The trends seen from 2001- Scientific Services. 02 to date are for slightly fewer full Medico-Legal Death Investigations autopsies, more Section 29* Inspection (MLDI) reports and include the start of referrals from BDM in 2002-03. 98% of deceased admitted to the Institute have a medico-legal death These inexorable increases in workload investigation initiated by a report to the have placed significant strain on Coroner. In addition there are a number all related areas of the Institute and of referrals of reportable deaths from the provided the basis for the successful Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages business case placed to government for (BDM) which require investigation by the a new model of MLDI service. medical staff of the Institute. The table *Section 29 Inspection reports relate to deaths and graph below show this information where there is an objection to autopsy by the by type of investigation. The information senior next of kin which is upheld by the Coroner. shows a 6% increase in investigations as compared to last year and a 45% increase from the year 2001-02. The breakdown of types of investigation has
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 19 Operational Reporting
Identification issues that require further consideration 4. Time taken to complete the medico- In line with the function of the Institute and/or investigation by the Coroner. legal death investigation with the finalisation of a report for the provided under S 66 (1) (c) of the Timeliness Coroners Act 1985, and at the request Coroner. (Dependent on the Institute). Timeliness of MLDIs is affected by both of the Coroner, we provide the scientific the increasing workload described Key performance indicators related to human identification services of forensic above and by the increasing complexity points 2-4 are detailed following. anthropology (skeletal remains), forensic of investigations. This increase in odontology (dental identification) and complexity is in part a consequence of Time taken from the coronial request molecular biology (DNA analysis). the decline in public hospital autopsy for an investigation, to the body� of These services are used where visual numbers, a trend which is replicated the deceased being available for identification of the deceased is not in many countries, and has significant release for burial. possible or is inappropriate. There has workforce and resource implications. This time encompasses all the processes been an increase in the application As the workload and the complexity in the Institute that require access to the of these processes as international of investigations increases, it is almost body of the deceased, from collection standards for Disaster Victim inevitable that there will be an increase of blood samples, and CT scanning Identification (DVI) protocols are applied in the time taken to complete the various to post-mortem dissection and body in all matters that involve two or more stages of the process. There are four reconstruction. deceased persons. points in the investigation that have The chart shows the percentage of particular significance for families and cases where the Institute has completed Number of case processes applied the Institute. These are: this work within two days. It can be 2006- 2007- Change 1. Time taken from the report of a seen that in 2007-08 there have been 07 08 death to the Coroner’s request a number of occasions where this Forensic 90 130 +44% drops below 60% in comparison to odontology for investigation by the Institute (dependant on the State Coroner’s no such occurrences in 2006-07. We DNA 149 193 +30% Office); believe this has been due to increased Forensic complexity and increasing workload. 56 92 +64% anthropology 2. Time taken from the coronial request This measure will form part of our for an investigation, to the body of regular BP3 reporting in 2008-09. the deceased being available for Clinical Liaison Service release for burial. (Dependent on the Complexity� of processes The Clinical Liaison Service (CLS) Institute); During this period as compared to provides forensic pathologists and 2006-07 the number of specimens Coroners with specialist clinical 3. Time taken for a registerable cause of death to be provided to the taken has increased by 14% from investigation of therapeutic factors in 14,307 to 16,325. The number the investigation of the death of patients Coroner. (Dependent on the Institute); and of CT scans taken has increased during the course of medical treatment. from 3838 to 4222 or 10%. As the Their focus is on identification and prevention of adverse medical treatment events. PERCENTAGE OF CASES RELEASED WITHIN 2 DAYS
Since inception the CLS, which is 100 staffed by registered nurses and medical practitioners, has completed a detailed 80 clinical case review on 2778 cases [2002-07]. In a typical year, over 2006/07 4,800 deaths are reported to the 60 State Coroner’s Office and of those
1,200 either occurred in hospital or 2007/08 40 within seven days of a discharge from hospital. The CLS is able to review approximately 550 of these deaths 20 per annum. In three-quarters of these reviews, the CLS identifies potential 0 JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APRMAY JUN
20 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report complexity of testing undertaken in our a slight improvement in the percentage In addition many cases will require toxicology section increases so does of cases where a cause of death was information from external laboratories the requirement for more specimens provided within five days of autopsy that provide services not available and more complex specimens to be from 35% in 2006-07 to 37% in 2007- in our laboratories, such as testing taken. An example of this is the initiation 08. However, the increasing complexity for viruses, neuropathology and of the collection of hair specimens to of investigations carried out means that confirmation of infectious diseases. An allow the history of drug ingestion to be these percentages are lower than in expert neuropathology report has been investigated. previous years. requested for 9% more deaths than in 2006-07 and 150% more deaths than The graph below shows the time taken Time taken to complete the medico- five years ago. to complete the autopsy processes over legal death investigation with the the last four years by calculating the finalisation of a report for the Histology� length of time in days taken to complete Coroner Histology is the study of tissue at a 50%, 75% and 90% of all requested The medico-legal report has significance microscopic level. By processing tissue post-mortem procedures. It can be seen to families, the coronial process and the through a range of solutions, the form that there has been an increase in the criminal and civil justice systems not only of tissue structures can be viewed using time taken this year as compared to the in the time taken for its completion but a microscope demonstrating particular previous three years. also in the detail covered within it. pathology. Time taken for a registerable cause Completion of the report requires input The laboratory’s focus this year of death to be provided to the from a number of sections within the has been to continue providing a Coroner Institute including: comprehensive forensic histology service It is very important that the cause of to Institute pathologists and trainees, • Histology, 300% increase in special death be registered as soon as possible given the significant increase in the stains over 2006-07; after the death. This allows families to routine and specialised workload – see proceed with financial and legal matters • Toxicology, 12% increase in referred table below. even without the coronial finding. The cases, 15% increase in number of 2006- 2007- Change Institute endeavours to provide this tests completed; 07 08 information on a timely basis whenever • Anthropology, 64% increase in the Number of this is possible, while understanding that 2210 2436 +10% number of skeletal remains reviewed; Cases many cases require completion of all and the medical and scientific tests before Number of 39029 48229 +24% this can be provided. There has been • Entomology, 13 cases were referred Blocks for expert entomology analysis, 5 Number fewer than last year. of Special 1630 6511 +299% Requests AUTOPSY PROCESS % Routine Work Completed 62% 89% +27% within 8 90-percentile days
Toxicology� There was a 12% increase in the
75-percentile 2007-08 number of coronial cases over the 2006-07 previous year and a 15% increase in
2005-06 the number of tests completed on those
2004-05 cases. A number of new methods were developed to increase the scope of 50-percentile the tests performed by the laboratory and to increase the efficiency with which they were performed. The 0 1 2 3 4 5 development of a bar-coding system Average number of days taken for automated specimen recognition
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 21 Operational Reporting has been developed by the Institute’s
Technology Services. As a result these TOXICOLOGY WORKLOAD increases in efficiency have allowed 3300 33 the laboratory to maintain its turnaround time despite increasing workload. This 3210 32 continues the laboratory’s fine record of 3120 31 utilising technology and work practice 3030 30 innovation to respond to demand 2940 29 pressure. 2850 28 Number of cases Completion of reports 2760 27 Following the inputs discussed above 2670 26 the pathologist must review and interpret 2580 25 the various test results before completing 2490 24 their report. The graph below shows 2400 23 the number of reports completed each 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 of reports year and the percentage of these that Number of cases recieved were completed within three months. This shows the effect of workload on timeliness, with an additional 5% of families having to wait more that three months for a final report as compared with 2004-05. REPORT PROVISION WITHIN 3 MONTHS
100% 4000 Skeletal Remains The arrival of skeletal remains at the 95% 3500 Institute initiates a number of different 90% 3000 processes which involve both forensic technical and human identification 85% 2500 services, as well as oversight by a 80% 2000 ts provided within 3 months forensic pathologist. This year has ts provided within 3 months seen a 64% increase in the number 75% 1500 of skeletal or partial body remains
70% 1000 Number of repor examined by the Institute. This coincides Percentage of repor with an increase in the number of cases 65% 500 referred to our anthropology service 60% 0 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 (92 in 2007-08 as compared with 56 Percentage of reports in 2006-07). Number of reports
Molecular Biology� The Molecular Biology Section has been an active participant in Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) cases undergo a full technical review the Victoria Police Cold Case Task accredited centre capable of analysing by another pathologist. This year 9% of Force’s Operation Belier, by providing mitochondrial DNA in Australia. This reports have undergone such a review, DNA testing expertise to assist in the type of DNA analysis is required for including all homicides, deaths in investigation of unidentified remains. the identification of bone and custody and infant deaths. The regular In these instances, DNA is extracted decomposed tissues. report audit has continued through this year with a new roster system for from human remains and the profiles Quality generated used to identify the the allocation of the task between all In a time of increasing workload it is specialist pathologists. unknown remains by matching to important to ensure that the quality of possible family members. the final product is not diminished. The The Institute’s Molecular Biology Institute has commenced a process Laboratory is the only National to ensure that a prescribed subset of
22 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report A new quality assurance process has Alcohol Proficiency Testing Program; Service Provision to Families been added to our case management Australasian Forensic Toxicology; Health Information Program system allowing court observers to Drugs and Driving This was established in 2002 to log their attendance at court to watch • National Institute of Forensic Science provide a formal system for the evidence being given by Institute staff (NIFS) - Collaborative Testing Service provision of information gleaned as and to provide relevant feedback on the Program for DNA Profiling part of the autopsy which may be quality of testimony delivered. relevant to the health of other family Forensic pathology and the laboratories Regional Services members. Cardiological and genetic participate in a number of quality The reduction in forensic pathology review of family members with clinical assurance programs which assist in services provided in regional Victoria specialists has real potential to prevent maintaining the high standards of the continued to be an issue in 2007-08. unexpected deaths. This year over 250 MLDI. Details of these are given below. The number of reportable deaths from families were identified as possibly regional Victoria increased to over benefiting from this process, 4% more • Royal College of Pathologists of 1200 in 2007-08 with the percentage than last year. Australasia (RCPA) - Anatomical of these cases being transferred to Pathology – Technical, General and the Institute, being 57% in 2007-08. Specialist Modules Service Provision to Other The Institute is currently working with a Agencies number of regional service providers to • College of American Pathologists Consultative Committees (CAP) - Autopsy Pathology; Forensic increase the number of deaths they are Forensic pathologists continued to Pathology, Neuropathology; Alcohols able to manage from surrounding areas. provide input to a number of consultative and Volatiles; NIFS-Blood Oximetry; This trend is a result of the reduction committees as discussed below. Toxicology, Forensic Toxicology and of the drift of pathology services, generally provided by the private sector, Forensic Urine Toxicology; Parentage Consultative Council on Obstetric towards Melbourne, thus reducing the Testing Program for Disputed Paternity and Paediatric Mortality� and availability of pathologists to undertake Morbidity� • The Division of Analytical Laboratories autopsies in rural and regional Victoria. Proficiency Testing Programs - Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Sub-Committee: Dr Matthew Lynch Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity Sub-Committee: Dr Sarah Parsons (from 2008)
DEATHS IN REGIONAL VICTORIA Child and Adolescent Mortality and Morbidity Sub-Committee: Dr Matthew 1400 Managed in Melbourne by VIFM Lynch Managed in regional Victoria 1260 Victorian Surgical Consultative Council: Dr Noel Woodford 1120 Consultative Council on Anaesthetic 980 Mortality and Morbidity: Dr Shelley Robertson 840
700
Number of cases 560
420
280
140
0
1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 23 Operational Reporting
Court Appearances Section 64(2)(b) of the cases has been collated and indexed with short case notes. This forms part Forensic pathologists and scientists Coroners Act 1985 regularly provide evidence in court both of a valuable teaching set held by for criminal and coronial matters. 15% “to������������������������������������� promote, provide and assist in the the Institute. These���������������������� slides have also of such court appearances are in the post-graduate instruction and training been digitised to form the basis of an coroner’s jurisdiction with the remaining of trainee specialist pathologists in the electronic image training library. In�� being in the County, Magistrates, field of forensic pathology in Victoria” addition, Dr Malcolm Dodd has put Children’s and Supreme Courts. 64% of together a teaching set of 170 slides these appearances relate to homicides. It takes between 12 and 15 years of normal human tissue for the use of of training to become a forensic overseas fellows, visiting registrars Provision of Expert Opinions pathologist. These medical practitioners and medical students. These sets are Forensic pathologists and forensic have a long and complicated post- available on loan from the manager of scientists provide a wide variety of graduate medical specialist training histology. expert opinions to the legal system. that is regulated by the Royal College Most of the specialist forensic For example, Associate Professor Olaf of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA). pathologists working at the Institute Drummer produced 40 expert opinions, Institute pathologists are actively today were also trained here. Many of (medico-legal reports that are not part of involved in the development of the the forensic pathologists working across the standard laboratory testing reports), forensic pathology training curricula Australia (e.g. in Queensland and South 10 of which were for the State Coroner. for the College and for setting and Australia) were trainees at the Institute marking the exams set by the College. including overseas trainees from Africa, Dr Matthew Lynch, Dr Noel Woodford Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The Institute and A/Prof David Ranson assisted with has always taken its role as a trainer of the 2007-08 examinations at the Royal COURT APPEARANCE BY JURISDICTION future forensic pathologists very seriously College of Pathologists. The Institute and is proud to see so many still continues to support the training of working at the Institute, across Australia the next generation of practitioners by or returning from overseas. providing tutorial-based teaching and holding practice examination sessions The Clinical Liaison Service (CLS) hosted for forensic pathology candidates from a visitor, Dr Ho Lee, from the Republic around Australia. of Korea for the 2007 year. He is a Board certified pathologist specialising At the Institute, Dr Melissa Baker in forensic pathology and works as (forensic pathology registrar), Dr Sarah an assistant Professor at Chonbuk Parsons and Dr Paul Bedford (both National University Medical School qualified pathologists) are about to (JeonJu, Republic of Korea). The aims complete their specialist traning while of his visit are to gain insight of the two anatomical registrars, Sarah Saxon services offered by CLS, to learn how to and Ahmed Aga are gaining experience approach and resolve the medico-legal in forensic pathology in a shared problems objectively and rationally training scheme with the Alfred Hospital. through this system and how these Supreme 33% Dr Kate White, who trained at the solutions are implemented. Childrens 2% Institute for 12 months, completed her
Coroners 15% Diploma in Forensic Pathology from the RCPA and has returned to Palmerston County 14% North, New Zealand as Regional Magistrates 36% Pathologist in Charge. With the assistance of an overseas pathologist, Dr Noor from Alor Star Hospital, Malaysia, the histology laboratory has also directed its focus toward a teaching service. A� comprehensive collection of 374 forensic and anatomical pathology Melissa Baker and Sarah Parsons
24 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Section 64(2)(c) of the of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) in PhD Students at the Institute Coroners Act 1985 Martinique. There are five PhD students and one Masters student undertaking all or part “ to promote, provide and assist in the Ms Eva Saar (Saarland University, of their studies at the Institute. These post-graduate instruction and training Germany) completed six months students are developing their skills in of persons qualified in biological practical training in the laboratory. fields related to the work of the Institute sciences in the field of toxicological Two RMIT placement students were and will provide expert staff for the and forensic science in Victoria”. supported in the toxicology laboratory future, hopefully taking roles at the this year. Institute or in other workplaces across Forensic and Scientific Services (FSS) Australia. The details of their projects staff are actively involved in a number Training Overseas are included in Appendix D. of teaching and training activities. Ms Katherine Wong visited Health Presentations of papers are detailed Sciences Authority in Singapore in Appendix C, but in addition the further establishing strong links with following specific activities have been our toxicology colleagues in South undertaken. East Asia. The Head of FSS, Olaf Drummer, was a With the support of AusAID and the guest speaker at a number of functions Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and meetings including: Singapore, Human Identification • The medical seminar series in the Services (HIS) staff worked with key Department of Medicine at the Austin Indonesian facilitators to deliver a hospital; three day workshop in Disaster Victim • The Victorian Transport Association Identification (DVI) to 140 relevant “Freight Week” meeting; Indonesian professionals and police in East Java in November 2007. This • The Analytical Chemistry Division is the second such workshop that has meeting of the Royal Australian been delivered in Indonesia. Chemical Institute; In August 2007, the Institute was • The Southeast Asian Western Pacific successful in securing a grant from (SEAWP) Regional Meeting with AusAID under the Public Sector the Australasian Society of Clinical Linkages Program (PSLP) to undertake & Experimental Pharmacologists & a training and investigation project in Toxicologists (ASCEPT) Meeting in East Timor. This project involves staff Adelaide; from the Institute travelling to Dili and • The Chinese Academy of Forensic delivering training in aspects of human Medicine conducted in conjunction identification to East Timorese with the annual board meeting of The police and hospital workers. The Soren Blau and Tony Hill International Association of Forensic practical aspect of the training Toxicologists in Beijing (March); and involves the investigation of alleged mass grave sites. • The Siemens Educational Symposia at Flemington Racecourse (May). Two members of staff from forensic technical services have developed new skills following their deployment Training at the Institute overseas to assist DVI identification Toxicology services have been fortunate in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, November to gain the expertise of Dr Jochen Beyer, 2007 and Vanuatu in January 2008. a postdoctoral fellow from Homburg, These deployments are funded by the Germany. His work throughout this Australian Federal Police (AFP). year resulted in successful presentation of many papers at this year’s annual meeting of The International Association Janet Davey
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 25 Operational Reporting
Section 64(2)(d) of the graduate entry program delivered at the Coroners Act 1985 Monash Gippsland Churchill Campus. “ to provide training facilities for Clinical Liaison Education doctors, medical undergraduates Service and such other persons as may be considered appropriate by the Council Clinical Liaison Service (CLS) education to assist in the proper functioning of at medical, nursing, allied health the Institute.” schools and hospitals is evident in their presence at undergraduate and The Institute takes an active role in postgraduate teaching, as well as providing training experiences for hospital grand rounds, seminars and medical students within Australia and in services. The CLS also contribute from the rest of the world, particularly to industry seminars and conferences. the United Kingdom (UK). This year In 2007-08 the CLS were invited to saw two students from the UK, one contribute over 25 education sessions to from Germany and three from Monash healthcare professionals. University spend two months at the One of the primary means of providing Institute for their elective studies. relevant information and education to all health care professionals is via the Medical Law Program Coronial Communiqué. This year the Institute has successfully Two editions of the Coronial delivered the medical law tutorial Communiqué were produced in Three editions of the Residential Aged program as part of the under-graduate 2007-08 and each edition contained Care Coronial Communiqué (RACC) medical curriculum at Monash summaries of coronial cases, relevant were produced in 2007-08. The University, as it has done since it for healthcare professionals, along following précis’ show the wide variety was introduced in 2001. Dr Leanna with other articles of interest and links of topics and educational material Darvall, in a position jointly funded to resources. There are usually specific covered in these publications. by Avant and the Medical Indemnity messages that the team highlights. Protection Society (MIPS), coordinates RACC Issue 4 ‘explores the challenges In March 2008 the introduction of over 70 medical lawyers and clinicians of the interfaces between aged care reader feedback was highlighted as to provide small group tutorials for facilities and families, hospitals, was a case where action was taken students in years one, three and four of general practitioners and emergency by a hospital to improve procedures the MBBS course. The program takes departments’ a collaborative approach, including following a death that was reported to having Year 3 tutorials delivered the coroner: Issue 5 ‘reminds and refreshes memories about the lessons learnt jointly by lawyers and clinicians at ‘describes a catastrophic cascade of from the preceding four issues about metropolitan and regional hospital events following a brain biopsy after the prevention of deaths from physical sites, and is the most comprehensive which the hospital created robust restraints, falls, choking and gaps in the of its kind in any medical school in preventative procedures to avoid any interfaces of care.’ Australia. This year sees one of our similar recurrences.’ own specialists, A/Prof David Ranson Issue 6 ‘This edition focuses on the issue In May 2008 delivering the patient safety module in of pressure ulcers and presents three Year 5. ‘the recurring themes of clear and cases along with two short reports about The program has also been taken adequate documentation and the need the research evidence base and current offshore, with Monash Malaysia to listen to family concerns’ practice in the prevention, recognition and management of pressure ulcers.’ providing years 1, 3 and 4 medical were identified using two detailed case law tutorials involving discussion of analyses. Results of a reader feedback relevant Malaysian law. This year survey showed a readership which very the program was further expanded much valued the information provided with a highly successful medical law and would recommend it to colleagues. component comprising a series of expert panels being delivered as part of the
26 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Work-Related Liaison NCIS Education Service Trish O’Brien presented a paper on the Education Service Fatal Facts is a publication produced by “Role of the Victorian Institute of Forensic The Work Related Liaison Service NCIS. medicine in upgrading Forensic Services produced one edition of its Coronial in the Asia Pacific Region” in which she Two issues of Fatal Facts were produced Communiqué, WorkWise in 2007-08. discussed the experiences of 10 years in 2007-08, summarising coronial The publication summarises coronial of training in forensic pathology for recommendations made. Edition 14 findings and recommendations relating fellows from Sri Lanka. reviewed a number of product related to work-related deaths and includes deaths covering findings relating to the To date 17 fellows from Sri Lanka comments directly from the State use of hot water bottles, bed restraints, have studied at the Insitute. The current Coroner as well as articles from industry cots and electrical equipment outside. fellow is Dr Dhammika Ariyarathna bodies that describe their approach to from Sri-Jayewardesapura Department hazard identification and risk reduction. ‘The Coroner recommended that the of Forensic Medicine North Colombo Minister for Consumer Affairs consider a ‘This edition provides case summaries University. Dhammika intends to sit public education campaign (particularly of three preventable fatal incidents, the Diploma in Medical Jurisprudence directed towards the elderly) warning and one brief report. These deaths (Pathology) Part 1 in October 2008. of the dangers of improper use of hot occurred across a range of industries water bottles’ Dr Blau also presented two papers on over a number of years, yet there behalf of Professor Joseph Ibrahim from were similarities between cases. These Edition 15 looked specifically at the Clinical Liaison Service, who was included issues related to supervision medical conditions and fitness to unable to attend. and changing work environments, drive with recommendations such which may present new risks and as: ‘VicRoads give consideration to require the review of usual practice to improving “fitness to drive” processes avoid complacency.’ with a view to encouraging self reporting of medical conditions’ and ‘Consideration be given to introducing legislative requirements of restraint for occupants in sleeping cabins of moving heavy vehicles.’
INPALMS The 9th Indo Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences was held in Colombo between 22nd and 27th July 2007. Professor Cordner and Professor Wells attended in their roles as President and Honorary Secretary General respectively. Professor Cordner, Dr Soren Blau and Dr Clifford Perera (a former Overseas Fellow now working in Galle, Sri Lanka) presented workshops on Forensic Aspects of the Missing in Post Conflict and Post Disaster Scenarios: Local, Regional and Global Perspectives. Dr Blau also presented Perspectives from East Timor: An outsiders view. Professor Wells presented two workshops on
sexual assault titled “Sexual Assault
Medicine – Some Harmful Professional Practices and Challenges in the Assessment of Child Sexual Abuses”. Dhammika Ariyarathna Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 27
• • •
Operational Reporting
Section 64(2)(e) of the There are now over 150,000 fatalities work-related suicide; ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Coroners Act 1985 recorded on the NCIS. This year there home maintenance related deaths; was a 12% increase in the number and hobby farmer deaths related to “ to conduct research in the fields of of data searches performed for death work activities; forensic pathology, forensic science, investigators around Australia compared • An electronic information system clinical forensic medicine and to 2006-07 levels, and a 43% increase comprising the following nine associated fields as approved by in the number of searches performed for components: surveillance; the Council. “ other external parties. In addition more stakeholders; legislation, regulations, than 15 new organisations applied to codes of practice and standards; The Research Portfolio access the NCIS data in 2007-08. scientific research literature; risk and Other highlights for this year included: The Research Portfolio was created contributory factors; previous coroners in 2006 to coordinate the research Data Reports for the Australian cases; coroners recommendations; directions of the Institute. This year the Government and countermeasures; and portfolio has reviewed the quality of Three extensive data reports were previous Institute scientific publications • An electronic library of relevant produced for the Australian Department literature. by way of the citation index. There have of Health and Ageing on drug deaths: been six papers that have attracted at injury deaths and intentional self harm Three research projects are in least 50 citations and a further 22 that deaths reported to a Coroner in 2005. progress: have had at least 20 citations. The These will form the basis for annual • Heavy vehicles driver fatalities in most cited papers are those relating to reports in future about these fatality Victoria; our findings on risks associated with types to allow the identification and • Young, novice and migrant worker methadone programs, drug caused tracking of patterns over time. crash risk, drug associations with fatalities; and World Injury Prevention Conference sudden death of asthmatics and some • Alcohol and drugs in work-related in Mexico toxicology methods papers. deaths. A presentation at the World Injury During the course of the year there prevention Conference delivered Project Advisory Committees (comprising were 18 scientific articles published in jointly with Statistics Canada provided stakeholders from industry, research and peer reviewed literature and a further international exposure for the Australian government) have been established for eight are in-press, eight submitted for and Canadian coronial data the heavy vehicle driver fatalities and publication and a further 20 chapters collections, demonstrating how these young, novice and migrant workers submitted for publication in books or two countries are leading the way fatalities projects. encyclopaedias. See Appendix A in the use of coroners data for The WRLS has established a service for There were 51 presentations by Institute prevention purposes. the State Coroner’s Office to provide staff at scientific meetings. research and information support Research projects underway or Work-Related Liaison Service on request on work-related deaths completed this year are included in (WRLS) within the framework of investigations Appendix D. The function of the WRLS is to assist undertaken by the coroner. the Coroner, State Coroner’s Office Statistical Reports to Victorian The National Coroners and the Victorian WorkCover Authority WorkCover Authority by conducting research to support the Information System (NCIS) Statistical reports on work-related suicide prevention of work-related death and The NCIS is a database that collects and work-related bystanders were injury. A number of research tools have information about every death reported prepared for the Victorian WorkCover been developed this year to assist the to a coroner around Australia and is Authority on deaths reported to the work of the unit, namely: funded by all State/Territory Justice coroner during the period 2006 and agencies and several Commonwealth • A work-related fatality database to 2007. record information on deaths reported Departments. It is housed and managed During this period the WRLS identified to the State Coroners Office which by the Institute to provide a resource to 95 unintentional workplace injury meets the WRLS definition of “work- coroners and researchers nationally fatalities of people defined as working related”. This includes individuals and internationally. for income. Of these, 95% were male killed while working for income; and approximately 50% involved a bystanders not working for income; transport crash.
28 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report The Goudge Inquiry include ALIES (Australasian Libraries in One significant research project the Emergency Sector), Health Libraries undertaken by Institute staff during Inc, ViGLA (Victorian Government 2007-08 has been a contribution to the Libraries Association), Gratisnet, and Inquiry into Pediatric Forensic Pathology Monash Hospital Libraries Committee. in Ontario, Canada. The Inquiry was established by the Government of Ontario under the Public Inquiries Act on April 25, 2007, with the Honourable Stephen T. Goudge appointed as Commissioner. Professor Stephen Cordner was approached by the Inquiry to provide two research papers for its background use. The papers, Paediatric Forensic Pathology: Limits and Controversies and A Model Forensic Pathology Service were submitted in late 2007 and are published on the Inquiry website http://www.goudgeinquiry. ca/policy_research. In addition Professor Cordner and Assoc Professor David Ranson travelled to Ontario to participate in a series of policy roundtables for the Inquiry in February 2008.
Support for Research Activities The Library The Institute Library was established in February 1989, with the donation of a large collection of core forensic journals and textbooks from the Department of Pathology of the Geelong Hospital. This material was kindly donated by Professor Vernon Plueckhahn, the founding Deputy Director of the newly established Victorian Institute of Forensic Pathology. The Library continues to support the research and operational activities of the Institute. During the year the Library provided 920 document delivery requests compared with 736 in the previous year. Seventy-one literature searches were provided to Institute staff. Membership of Library and Information networks are essential to supplement the Institute library collection. These affiliations provide opportunities for exchange and sharing of knowledge, skills and resources. Associations
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 29 Operational Reporting
Section 64(2)(f) of the Staff of CFM continue to provide a Coroners Act 1985 variety of services including clinical appraisals and expert opinion, “ to provide, promote and assist in the education and research. This year the provision of clinical forensic medicine operational services have performed as and related services to the police shown below. force of Victoria and government bodies.” Quantity Whilst the clinical case load remained Clinical Forensic Medicine (CFM) refers similar to preceding years there to the specialised area of medicine have been significant increases in concerned with medico-legal services other activities. This included driving for living patients in their interactions licence reviews (increased by 23 %), with the justice system. In most cases this educational programs, the nursing involves criminal cases but does also program and the Canberra service. extend to some medico-legal issues in Clinical cases (largely those of civil matters. Clinical forensic medicine interpersonal violence) total just over encompasses a wide range of activities 2,500 and driving licence reviews at the interface of medical practice increased to nearly 7,000 cases. and the law. These include paediatrics, gynaecology, clinical toxicology, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and Clinical Case Load some aspects of forensic pathology. 2006-07 2007-08 The discipline of clinical forensic Court Appearances 161 217 medicine has also become the home of the special areas of traffic medicine and Physical Assault 316 307 custodial medicine. All of the above Sexual Assault 499 472 services are provided by clinicians at Psychiatric Services 25 26 the Institute working exclusively in the Ethical Standards 29 36 field of clinical forensic medicine, or Traffic Medicine 678 825 by forensic medical officers associated Custodial Medicine 543 442 with the Institute but working in other medical specialties including Other Services 82 110 paediatrics, emergency medicine Total 2333 2435 and general practice. Because of the acute nature of the work and These figures include 371 expert the requirement to provide service opinions provided by senior forensic throughout Victoria, the CFM service physicians to police and the legal has to meet stringent requirements profession. regarding availability both in time and place. As well as the provision of Licence Review acute services, clinicians from the CFM 2006-07 2007-08 division provide a very large number VicRoads 6194 7608 of expert opinions for Victoria Police WorkSafe 39 38 and other client groups including the legal profession and interstate and Taxi Directorate 274 334 international organisations. Because Other 9 7 of the high workload and diversity of Total 6516 7987 clinical services, CFM doctors attend court more frequently than any other professionals at the Institute.
30 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report CFACT SERVICE PROVISION
200
150
100
50
0 Nov 06 Dec 06 Jan 07 Feb 07 Mar 07 Apr 07 May 07 Jun 07 Jul 07 Aug 07 Sep 07 Oct 07 Nov 07 Dec 07 Jan 08 Feb 08 Mar 08 Apr 08
Other Cases 2 1 5 3 3 5 5 0 6 3 2 3 9 6 5 1 4 5
Deaths/ Suicides 16 18 13 13 12 10 19 11 19 11 15 12 11 14 14 10 14 11
Watch house 15 3 12 12 10 35 20 43 38 43 56 42 34 55 82 57 50 48
Total cases 33 22 30 30 25 50 44 57 63 57 73 57 54 75 101 68 68 64
Victorian Forensic Paediatric to the City Watch house for the care Service Agreements Medical Service (VFPMS) of police detainees. Institute doctors The Institute successfully negotiated This service provides forensic medical have provided support and review continuation of service agreements with services to children where there are for CFACT clinicians, most of whom VicRoads (three years), Victorian Taxi allegations of abuse or neglect and is have completed the Monash University Directorate (three years), Victoria Police jointly provided by the Royal Children’s postgraduate program in Clinical (two years) and Australian Federal Hospital, Monash Medical Centre Forensic Medicine. Educational services Police (one year). and the Institute. Senior doctors from have been extended to ACT police and the CFM division provide on-call and in June 2008 a senior CFM physician outpatient services for the VFPMS. conducted a very successful two day program for ACT police on the subject Clinical Forensic Medicine Services of Alcohol, Drugs and Driving. in Canberra Clinical Forensics, ACT (CFACT) is Timeliness a joint Institute and Canberra Sexual Health initiative which provides clinical Throughout Victoria, more than 99% of forensic medical services and training acute cases were seen within two hours to the ACT police (Australian Federal of request. This level of service occurs Police) in the ACT. It is externally funded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. by the AFP and has been managed by the Institute for a short period to employ, support and train a team of clinical forensic physicians. Service demand has increased steadily since the service commenced in October 2006. This is primarily due to a continuing increase in the number of call outs
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 31 Operational Reporting
Section 64(2)(g) of the and has recently arrived in Australia • The ability to document injuries Coroners Act 1985 to continue his studies. Dr Okereke is accurately and interpret them being sponsored by his government to objectively so as to provide a high “ to promote, provide and assist in undertake the Masters program. quality service to the patient, the under-graduate and post-graduate justice system and to the wider instruction in the field of clinical Forensic Nursing community; and forensic medicine in Victoria.” The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) • A sound basis of knowledge of the The Institute is actively involved in the role is being established in Victoria. criminal justice system; the importance teaching of medical undergraduates Nurses are completing a one-year of objective and informative opinion on a range of topics within the post graduate course, the Graduate evidence being provided to the Medical Faculty at Monash University. Certificate of Nursing (Forensic) through court and the boundaries of being Additionally lectures are delivered to Monash University and the Institute. an expert witness when delivering nursing, social work and occupational The four units of study that make up the evidence in court. qualification are of equivalent standard therapy undergraduates. Thirty (30) nurses have graduated as as those completed by doctors in Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNE). The the forensic course. This ensures that Postgraduate Teaching in majority are placed in Victoria and the standard of practice and care is Forensic Medicine Queensland with FNEs also now placed consistent by forensic doctor and nurse in NSW and Canberra. In 2008, there It is now 10 years since the examiners. postgraduate program in forensic are 28 nurses currently completing the medicine was developed. Provided The Graduate Certificate of Nursing course; Nurses from metropolitan and through the Monash University (Forensic), now in its third year, has rural Victoria, Queensland and NSW. attracted much interest from nurses Department of Forensic Medicine, the There are now 13 trained forensic across Australia as well as some program continues to attract national nurse examiners in Victoria and a International enquiries. The one-year and international students. In 2008, further 12 nurses have been provided distance education course provided there were 55 students enrolled in the with a scholarship to join the Forensic through the Institute and Monash various programs. This year we have Nurse Network for Victoria in 2008. University has received excellent students from all Australian States and The scholarships are funded by the feedback from past graduates territories and from New Zealand, Department of Justice as one of a range regarding the course structure, standard Norway, Nigeria, Iran and the United of programs designed to improve of information and its relevance for States. services to victims and survivors of practical application required in the sexual assault. A further eight nurses will Post FNE role. Graduate 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 gain qualifications in 2009. Training The course includes a workshop each Student semester to provide more intensive 50 58 67 71 55 enrolments and interactive education as well as networking opportunities; an important component for the establishment and Student feedback about the teaching success of a new service in Victoria programs has been universally positive. and Australia. An additional clinical This year each of the units taught were component provides nurses with direct judged by students to be in the top 25% observational as well as supervised of units offered through the Faculty at practice, prior to commencing Monash University. independent work. Dr Kaone Panzirah-Mabaka successfully The course aims to equip practitioners completed his Masters of Forensic with: Medicine program this year before returning to take up a position as • The knowledge and skills required Registrar in the Forensic Pathology to provide a comprehensive medical Department of the Botswana Police. and forensic service to a victim of Dr. Uwom Okereke Eze from Nigeria sexual assault; commenced the Diploma in 2006 Uwom Eze
32 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Section 64(2)(h) of the Clinical Forensics, ACT Coroners Act 1985 It is the aim of the Clinical Forensics, “ to promote, provide and assist in ACT (CFACT) clinicians that best the teaching of and training in clinical practices underpin the provision of forensic medicine within medical, services. This aim is supported by the legal, general health and other CFACT professional development fund, education programs.” the Canberra Hospital Private Practice Fund, the AFP, the Institute weekly Staff of the Clinical Forensic Medicine educational video link, the Masters (CFM) division participated in program in Forensic Medicine and the educational sessions, seminars and ongoing review of CFACT clinical work talks for a large number of external by a senior Institute clinician. All clinical organisations including Victoria staff have participated in ongoing Police, the legal profession, hospital professional development. registrar training sessions and Grand Police training has also become an Rounds, Divisions of General Practice, increasing component of the CFACT Universities (medical, paramedical work over the past year. A variety of and non-medical; undergraduate and CFACT packages have been developed post graduate), Schools and a diverse and delivered, these packages include: range of Community groups. They are Beat Squad, Watchhouse and Traffic regularly invited to deliver teaching Training packages. All packages have programs nationally and internationally been evaluated and responses have including an annual training program been extremely positive. It is anticipated for medical practitioners across New that all of these programs will continue. Zealand. Much of this information is included in Appendices B and C but CFACT’s involvement with the Australian described below are some specific National University (ANU) medical examples of this service provision. school has increased; the recent appointment of a chair in Forensic Medicine will enable stronger ties with FAMSACA Conference the ANU medical school. Medical The Institute hosted the Bi-Annual student electives in clinical forensic Conference of the Forensic and Medical medicine have also been offered Sexual Assault Clinicians Australia of and undertaken. which Dr Angela Williams is the current President. More than 130 registrants from all Australian states and territories attended a range of lectures, workshops and interactive sessions.
World Health Organisation Associate Professor David Wells assisted in the delivery of a five day workshop delivered in New Delhi. Conducted and funded by the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (under the auspices of the WHO) the workshop aimed to develop research skills and networks on sexual violence. The workshop was attended by delegates from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Kenya, Nigeria, Georgia and South Africa.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 33 Operational Reporting
Section 64(2)(i) of the TISSUE SUPPLIED 2007-08 Coroners Act 1985 300 “to provide tissue banking facilities and services.” Corneas 250 Cardiac The Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria’s (DTBV) positioning within the Institute Musculoskeletal 200 forms a unique working partnership. The Allograft skin Institute’s core activities are enhanced by the opportunity for grieving families to 150 benefit the lives of many. An important gesture of generosity takes place when, by respecting the wishes of the 100 deceased, family members authorise tissue donation. Tissue may then be retrieved under the most respectful 50 circumstances, prepared and distributed for use in many clinical situations. 0 One single multi-tissue donor can benefit Jul 07 Aug 07 Sep 07 Oct 07 Nov 07 Dec 07 Jan 08 Feb 08 Mar 08 Apr 08 May 08 Jun 08 more than 50 recipients: corneas, heart valves, bone tissue, tendons and skin (the most superficial layers only) can The DTBV strongly abides by its following protocols which are under be retrieved at the DTBV. They become commitment to respect the altruistic the constant scrutiny of the Therapeutic important tools for surgeons to save gesture of donation and is a not Goods Administration. for profit tissue bank. From its initial lives, as in skin for the treatment of burns The microbiology laboratory establishment in 1989 it has evolved and cardiac valves for children born participated in 28 quality assurance into a well respected operation within with a heart defect, as well as important programs in 2007-08 run by the the community of surgeons who use life enhancers such as a bone transplant National Serology Reference Laboratory tissue grafts. to support a hip prosthesis in an elderly (NSRL) in virology testing and Royal individual or corneas which are used to College of Pathologists of Australasia secure vision. The DTBV also relies on Quality (RCPA) in bacteriology. the generosity of individuals undergoing The DTBV works at the leading edge of orthopaedic surgical intervention tissue banking in Australia by engaging Research and Training such as elective hip replacements to a committed team of professionals in The DTBV staff have been actively donate the surgically removed bone. implementing the latest improvements involved in research and have This otherwise wasted tissue can be in the area, so as to assure the best presented at many conferences outlining processed at the DTBV and supplied for possible outcomes from the magnificent the work of the Tissue Bank (see use in further surgical interventions. gesture of donation. It balances the Appendices B and C). In addition they rising demands to provide the highest are members of many fora that provide Quantity quality and safest possible tissues for input into the tissue banking community transplantation against the increasing In 2007-08, the DTBV has distributed here in Australia and around the world. costs of production. Access to autopsy hundreds of high quality tissue grafts to These include the National Clinical Task information, which may reveal be used for transplantation into patients Force on Organ and Tissue Donation, previously unknown information, is in Victoria or Australia-wide. More the Australasian Tissue Banking Forum, unique to the DTBV. This information than 520 bone grafts, 708 skin grafts the Therapeutic Goods Administration, combined with a thorough medical and 45 cardiac tissue (valves and European Committee for Standardisation and social questionnaire applied by pericardium) have been retrieved from (CEN), the International deceased donors with a further 500 a uniquely skilled team of transplant femoral heads donated from hospital coordinators, produces grafts of the Scientific Committee – th5 World patients following hip replacement highest quality and safety. Tissues are Congress on Tissue Banking, and the procedures, benefiting the community processed in a controlled environment Life Gift Advisory Board. at large.
34 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Section 66(3) of the The Perinatal Protocol Coroners Act 1985 Since the introduction of the Death “The Institute also has a function Notification Legislation, many to investigate, assess and instigate reviewable deaths have involved appropriate responses in respect of— children who were born in an intensive care unit and were not expected to (a) the health or safety of a living survive. These deaths are traumatic for sibling of a deceased child; and the parents and are generally not a risk (b) the health of a parent of a indicator for child protection concerns. deceased child—where the death of In response to the large number of these that child constitutes a reviewable deaths being reported as reviewable death.” deaths, the State Coroner’s Office (SCO) adopted the Perinatal Protocol The Victorian Government introduced on 1 October 2007. This protocol a new system for dealing with multiple provides for the SCO to identify cases child deaths of a particular parent where babies are born and die in following recommendations in 2003 hospital due to prematurity. Where there with amendments to the Coroners Act are no other issues of concern, such 1985 (amongst others) coming into as a Department of Human Services operation on 1 January 2005. history, these cases are not referred to The intention of the legislation is to the Institute for investigation. ensure that Victorian systems and processes for handling deaths are capable of dealing effectively and humanely with all cases of multiple child deaths within a family. In doing so, the legislation seeks to balance the rights of grieving families with the public interest in ensuring that living children are protected in cases where intervention is necessary, and that families receive appropriate medical and social supports. As part of the process, the State Coroner may refer a reviewable death case to the Institute for investigation and assessment of the health and safety needs of living siblings of a second or subsequent deceased child in a family, and the health needs of the parents.
Reviewable Cases referred to the Institute Under the Death Notification Legislation, 73 deaths have been referred by the State Coroner to the Institute over the period of 1 January 2005 to 1 May 2008.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 35 SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS
The primary effort to improve service The project is in the design phase with within Australia and overseas. Longer- provision has been the development building planned to start in September term approaches are likely to require of business cases for capital works, to 2009. improved engagement with departments provide improvements to the mortuary, of anatomical pathology to identify Recurrent Funding laboratories, related plant and potential trainees, as well as increasing machinery and recurrent funding to The Institute was successful in attaining the exposure of medical students to provide additional forensic pathology recurrent funding from the Department the discipline of forensic pathology as and forensic scientific resources to better of Justice to increase resources to part of the undergraduate curriculum manage workloads. In addition every manage current and future workloads. as well as through elective placements. service area has continued to work hard This includes an additional five We are actively building contacts with to provide improved services within specialist forensic pathologists, mortuary past and present medical students who existing resources. technicians, toxicologists and molecular have spent time here to encourage them biologists over a four year period. The into the forensic pathology stream and challenge for the Institute is to attract Capital - Building perhaps back to the Institute. the right people with these specialist Redevelopment skills to Victoria. The Institute has been fortunate to The Coronial Services Centre will be gain a shared traineeship with the significantly re-developed following Increasing Human Resources Alfred hospital and this year, two two successful business cases receiving anatomical pathology registrars have funding in the 2006-07 and 2007- Forensic Pathology� been performing autopsies under 08 budgets. The resultant building There is a critical shortage of specialist the supervision of consultant forensic development includes: forensic pathologists in Australia and pathologists. the solution to this problem will require New and improved areas: short-term initiatives as well as a Forensic Scientific Services • An updated and larger mortuary; creative approach to long-term strategic There have been two additional senior planning. scientists appointed to the mortuary • Improved laboratory facilities; and to assist in the development of new At the Institute, one specialist registrar • Increased office space for Institute processes and procedures to improve is about to complete her training staff and The State Coroner and services, increase awareness of and the Institute is in the process of coronial staff. assessing recruitment options from
36 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report occupational health and safety and to and documentation of the state of the • Development of a new method for the support current workloads. deceased at the time of admission. detection of most of the current anti- The images also form an important psychotic drugs used increasingly in Clinical Forensic Medicine Services component of the information available the community ; The CFM has been involved in training to the pathologist in those situations • Substantial changes in approach to registrars, currently 4 per year, since where consideration is being given to DNA testing in molecular biology 1995. Three medical practitioners, not perform an autopsy. previously trainees who attended the have streamlined processes and Institute, have returned for advanced The Institute is fortunate to have retained allow compatibility with other forensic training and to provide improved the services of a part-time consultant laboratories; radiologist but nevertheless, in every service delivery in Victoria. • Ensure all case handling and day practice forensic pathologists at reporting in human identification Forensic Nurse Examiners the Institute have had to develop an services conform to current forensic A number of FNEs who have completed increasing facility in the interpretation of best practice guidelines; training and the practical competencies CT images. To this end, two pathologists are now practicing as FNEs in Victoria have spent time in Switzerland attending • This year has seen the Molecular (both Melbourne and regional areas). It a course on post-mortem imaging, and Biology Section expanding is anticipated that by the end of 2008 two more are scheduled to attend this its research and development all of the trained FNEs will be active course over the coming year. capabilities. The team has members of the Institute roster; bolstering commenced evaluating lab-on-a-chip the number of trained forensic medical Forensic & Scientific Services (FSS) technologies for forensic applications, examiners across Victoria. A number of initiatives were put in place with the Institute entering into a to best accommodate the workload Memorandum of Understanding Service Improvements pressures but also to improve service (MoU) with Agilent Technologies to delivery. These include: test its Bioanalyser instrumentation for Forensic Pathology� • Process mapping of body handling to mitochondrial DNA analysis; and Technological advances in medical ensure chain of custody and efficient practice are driven by the desire to • In preparation for the implementation handling of exhibits; improve patient outcomes. They also of the outcomes from the Institute’s contribute to increasing the complexity • Introduction of a further two senior successful recurrent business cases, of cases presenting to the Institute forensic scientists to improve the Molecular Biology Section has and reinforce the need for improved management in the mortuary; begun the evaluation of various DNA interaction with clinical colleagues. capabilities, as well as planning • Significant analytical developments in These colleagues increasingly look and designing workflows to improve toxicology to rationalize methods and to us for information concerning the DNA testing outcomes. Over the to improve turn-around times ; effectiveness of treatment modalities, as next year, the Institute will have well as clinico-pathological correlation • A number of new methods were DNA capabilities that will enable of imaging and investigation results. This developed to improve scope of the sharing of DNA profiles with information not only has the potential laboratory work and to increase other jurisdictions, which will greatly to underpin improvements in clinical efficiency; enhance the Institute’s, hence the practice, but also provides clinicians State’s, DVI preparedness. • In conjunction with the IT section with important information when dealing development has been occurring to Clinical Forensic Medicine Services with bereaved next of kin. introduce barcoding to all specimens; In 2007-08 the Institute was successful Advances in technology are not in a tender for a new service to be • Development of an overnight confined to the clinical setting provided for Victoria Police. This toxicology screen of 100 drugs; and the incorporation of CT scan service will assist Victoria Police in imaging into the medico-legal death • The provision of routine drug analysis providing a workforce drug and alcohol investigation process has also had in hair using liquid chromatography testing program. The Institute will be important consequences. New imaging mass spectrometry/ mass responsible for the collection, analysis technologies contribute to pre-autopsy spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) established and interpretation of samples; breath, planning, anticipation of hazards, this laboratory as the only one of urine and blood. visualization of areas not easily its type in Australia with dedicated The partners in the provision of forensic examined in routine autopsy practice, expertise in hair analysis for drugs; paediatric services in Victoria are
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 37 SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS
actively involved in teaching and odontology and molecular biology • A backlog of almost 10,000 research activities with the focus are now able to attach reports to the toxicology reports from NSW were over the last 12 months being the relevant case. obtained and attached to the NCIS. development of services in rural Victoria. There has been a significant Quality� Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria development in the DTBV with the The Institute is committed to providing (DTBV) introduction of bar coding for all tissues quality forensic medicine services and Keeping abreast of new technologies collected, allowing easy tracking tissue for transplantation which are is a major goal for any modern tissue of tissue within the DTBV and also accredited to national and international bank. The DTBV is working on offering as it is sent out for processing or for standards. This is achieved by the the same tissues but in different shapes implantation. It is hoped that this will services and products meeting the and changing processes to confer form the basis for an automated process National Association of Testing additional properties to the graft that for tissue access, review and even Authority (NATA), Therapeutic Goods will benefit surgical outcomes. Emerging ordering online. Administration (TGA) and ISO9001 technologies, such as demineralized One of the requirements identified in a standards. bone matrix, are being incorporated in recent accreditation review was for the The quality system integrates business the diversity of DTBV tissue grafts. The technical review of all reports of forensic improvement into normal operations constant monitoring of the latest trends significance (primarily homicide). An which provides an avenue for staff in surgical technique and close contact electronic system has been developed to easily contribute to the business with surgeons allows tissue grafts to best to allow pathologists to enter the results improvement process. fit the intended use. of such a review and for the system to The future for the DTBV is a bright one. automatically manage this information External recognition The combination of a strong basis of including ensuring all reports that require The Institute’s ongoing commitment to operations, supported by a young and a review are managed appropriately. quality over the last twelve months was motivated staff base can only translate evident once again by the external Secure Access to VIFM Sy�stems into scientific success. assessment conducted by NATA, TGA There is an increasing need for staff to and SAI Global. The quality system The DTBV aims to become a beacon access the Institute’s information and was put under scrutiny by the various in a proposed National Skin Banking case management systems from home. accreditation, licensing and certification initiative. Centralised processing of It is vital that such access is provided bodies. The audits were all conducted skin grafts for care of mass casualties efficiently and securely. To this end a during February, May and June, 2008. involving burns will become feasible as new system has been developed to many national centres become involved allow access to the Institute desktop Corporate Services and Development in the retrieval of tissues. from home using a secure virtual private had their annual external assessment of network system. In addition this system the quality system to ISO9001:2000 Technology� Services allows staff to access their Institute in February 2008 and successfully As with any modern workplace the email via the internet from any location achieved re-certification. The sections Institute staff rely more and more on the across the world where internet access audited included Finance & Business services provided by their Information is available. This allows all staff and Services, Technology Services, Technology (IT) department. This year in particular our senior staff to stay in Quality & Improvement and the NCIS. has seen a number of enhancements to contact while traveling internationally. The sections worked very hard to the IT systems provided. accomplish this result even though there Prevention Research Services was a high staff turnaround since the Information Management This year saw the NCIS enhance its previous audit in December 2006. The Institute case management system information system with: continues to develop in line with the • The DTBV achieved re-licensing increasing complexity of work at the • Updates of the codes used to the following the TGA Audit in May Institute. This year an enhancement to latest version of the International 2008; Classification of External Cause Injury the reporting system allows the scanning • The Molecular Biology Laboratory to ensure continued compatibility and attachment of reports from external achieved re-accreditation in the field to the international code-set and service providers to make a more of Forensic Science and Parentage in mapping of older data to this scheme; complete case record. In addition other June 2008; and areas within the Institute that produce and reports such as anthropology, forensic
38 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report • The Toxicology Laboratory maintained • Reduced transportation of deceased for the Forensic Operations Module accreditation (NATA Surveillance persons through the mortuary as State requirements and Code of Good audit) in the field of Forensic Science Coroners Office (SCO) staff can manufacturing Practice for Blood And in June 2008. now identify deceased persons via Tissue (TGA). cropped mortuary admission photos; Continuous Improvement and Joint Improvements with other Corrective Action (CIRCA) • Mortuary and Molecular Biology now agencies As part of our quality commitment, our receive electronic notification of DNA Following submissions to National CIRCA system plays an integral role for requests from the Coroner, reducing Missing Persons Scoping Group in the Institute in identifying systemic issues the likelihood of lost or mistranslated Canberra, PlassData computer program as well as assessing trends across the requests; and has been obtained to assist in Missing organisation. • Implementation of a system to help Persons Unit (MPU) and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) investigations. With This provides the framework for pathologists record court attendance. assistance from Human Identification minimising risks by identifying issues Internal Audit Program Services, the system is now set-up and within the organisation and where The internal audit program is integral is being trialled within MPU and DVI necessary conduct an investigation to to maintaining our accreditation, units throughout Victoria. This will greatly establish the root cause of the issue. certification and licence which is part enhance and simplify investigations From these issues and suggestions made of the corporate governance of the of Missing Persons within the state by staff, many improvements have quality system. It is also another and nationally. been instigated in various aspects of mechanism to advise management the Institute with the aim of improving regarding the performance of the organisational performance. Institute’s quality system. During the year, 145 electronic CIRCAs During the year, 38 audits were (e-CIRCAs) were raised by staff and the performed across the Institute against breakdown is as follows: ISO9001:2000, ISO17025, NATA Category % Forensic Science, NATA Supplementary Forensic Science, NATA Parentage Audit 1 Testing requirements, ISO 15189 Complaint 14 Medical testing, NATA Supplementary Medical Testing, NATA Supplementary Compliment 1 Evidence Handling 17 External Service 6 Improvement Request 15 Internal Service 17 OHSE Issues 1 Property damage 1 Quality Assurance 3 Safety Incident 24
As a result of Corrective Actions and Improvement Requests suggested by staff, the following improvements were made by technology services to the case management system (iCMS): • Implementation of a system to link technical reviews to a forensic case;
Leah Morenos
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 39 Human Resource Management
Public Administration Code of conduct Professional Parents Act All new staff to the Institute are made Program The Institute is committed to public sector aware of their rights and responsibilities This program was delivered by values and employment principles as in relation to discrimination, sexual ‘Work and Family Matters’ to parents detailed in the Public Administration harassment and bullying during their combining young families and careers Act 2004 and applies merit and induction. The Institute has taken a in order to build skills, understanding equity principles when appointing staff. proactive approach in educating its staff and strategies in order to better cope The selection processes ensure that about their rights and responsibilities with work and parenting. All staff were applicants are assessed and evaluated in relation to workplace bullying, given the opportunity to participate in fairly and equitably on the basis of discrimination & sexual harassment. the program which was attended by the key selection criteria and other Several information sessions were eight females. accountabilities without discrimination. delivered throughout the year in response to the State Services Authority’s Upholding these values and principles recently released Code of Conduct and Graduate Recruitment is integral to the Institute’s application of to ensure that staff are aware of these Scheme human resources strategies. issues and how to approach them. The Institute supports the Victorian Public Service (VPS) Graduate Recruitment Merit and equity Grievances Scheme (GRS) whereby Graduates programs rotate throughout the VPS during the In the 2007-08 reporting year, there 12-month graduate scheme and The Institute sought four exemptions were no grievances recorded. participate in a structured learning and from advertisement during 2007-08. development program. In The nature of the exemptions related Employee Assistance 2007-08, two graduates fulfilled to the appointment of a person on a three month placements with the temporary basis – via a merit-based Program Institute in the following areas – the selection process – to a role which was The Employee Assistance Program Specialist Investigations Unit and required on an ongoing basis, where (EAP) delivers a counseling and Office of the Director. the position has duties and qualification support service to any employee or requirements that are of a specialist an immediate family member seeking nature to the Institute, Also, where assistance with a challenging issue Career Info�������rmation the incumbent employee was assessed or seeking to improve their health After�����noons as satisfactorily performing a position and well being. The EAP provides Career Information Afternoons have that has been formally reclassified timely intervention to help employees been developed by the Institute in to recognise a demonstrated and deal effectively with any difficulties, response to the large number of significant shift in work value and it and assists them with referral to other enquiries we receive regarding work is unlikely that advertising the professionals or agencies if longer term experience. Due to the sensitive and vacancy would attract a more assistance is needed. Employees and confidential nature of the work carried suitable candidate. their immediate families can access up out at the Institute, we are unable The decision of the Department of to four free sessions through the EAP. to offer work experience. Career Justice’s Secretary to exempt a vacancy Information Afternoons are held twice from advertisement is notified to all staff Koori Recruitment and during the year for High School students through the internal Exemptions Bulletin. Career Development in years 10, 11 and 12 offering Also published are the instructions Strategy them an insight into the various career regarding the lodgment of grievances options and information on academic against an exemption. In support of the Department of requirements to enter into careers in the Justice Koori Recruitment and Career forensic sciences. To ensure that decisions to exempt Development Strategy (KRCDS) – an a vacancy from advertisement are initiative of the Victorian Aboriginal consistent, all requests are first Justice Agreement, the Institute has been considered by the Director, Human proactive in this area by providing Resources before being forwarded to newly appointed staff the opportunity to the Department of Justice’s Secretary identify as an Indigenous Australian. for consideration.
40 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report L�����������earning and Workplace statistics Development Employee numbers, gender and status The Institute provides staff with access to the Justice Learning Program (JLP) through the Department of Justice. This Persons 161 is in addition to the on-the-job training Full-time equivalent (FTE) 124.67 and externally delivered training. Staff Number of persons separated from the Institute during the 2007-08 27 new to the technical areas of the Institute financial year receive intensive on-the-job training. In 2007-08 nine staff participated in this Number of persons recruited during the 2007-08 financial year 45 training in the following areas: Forensic Number of persons on leave without pay at 30 June 2008 2 Technical Services (4), Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria (3), Molecular Biology Number of employees by gender (1) and Histology (1). % Persons % FTEs Two students have commenced and Male 31 34.62 completed university placements with Female 69 65.38 the Institute in the 2007-08 reporting year in the areas of Toxicology and Histology. Number of employees by Grade The Institute has established a Male Female Total FTE Leadership and Management Grade 1 0 1 1 0.32 Development Program for Managers Grade 2 5 18 23 16.92 to strengthen the leadership and Grade 3 15 23 38 33.19 management skills across the Institute. Grade 4 3 26 29 25.28 Employee Relations Grade 5 3 11 14 12.90 Statement Grade 6 9 8 17 15.50 Grade 7 0 1 1 1 The majority of staff employed by Executives 1 1 2 2 the Institute in the 2007-08 year are employed under the Victorian Public Medical Specialists 10 10 20 15.68 Service Agreement 2006. Other Other* 4 12 16 1.88 employment agreements currently in TOTAL 50 111 161 124.67 operation are the Heads of Agreement 2007 covering Medical Specialists * Other refers to non-VPS employees that are not medical specialists. It also includes those on long (including Forensic Pathologists, Forensic term workcover. Physicians and Medical Research Officers) as well as a Memorandum of Understanding covering Forensic Nurse Examiners.
Workforce statistics At the end of June 2008, a total of 161 (124.67 full time equivalent) staff were employed by the Institute as compared to 143 (121.1 FTE) at 30 June 2007, an increase in the overall headcount of 18 staff and 3.57 FTE.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 41 Human Resource Management
Status of employees in current position – Headcount and FTE
On-going On-going Fixed Term Fixed Term Casual Casual Total Total (FTE) (Headcount) (FTE) (Headcount) (FTE) (Headcount) (FTE) (Headcount) Male 37 36.60 10 6.21 3 0.35 50 43.16 Female 73 64.61 22 15.92 16 0.98 111 81.51 Total 110 101.21 32 22.13 19 1.33 161 124.67
Executive contracts Number of executives by status in current position and classification and number of vacancies
At 30 June 2007 At 30 June 2008 Executive level employees 2 2 Vacancies 0 0
Workforce Diversity Number of employees by age bracket by gender
Age Male Female Total % Total FTE Bracket 15-24 5 6 11 6.83 6.34 25-34 9 43 52 32.30 45.52 35-44 13 22 35 21.74 29.23 45-54 14 28 42 26.09 25.66 55-64 9 12 21 13.04 17.92 65+ 0 0 0 0 0 Total 50 111 161 100 124.67
42 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Employment Status and our clients alike. We all wish him Employment status by category well in his retirement. Staff Listing Fixed Term Ongoing Employees & Casual A full staff listing can be found in Employees Appendix E
Employees Full time Part time FTE FTE Employment and (Headcount) (Headcount) (Headcount) conduct principles 2007 143 87 18 95.39 25.71 Valued and well supported employees 2008 161 86 24 101.21 23.46 who know what is expected of them are critical to our business success. The community benefits from the contributions of our people. Significant Staff Department (VPFSD) in December Changes 2007. Dr Dadna Hartman was This section provides information Mari-Ann Scott commenced As Head of appointed Manager for the section in about who we are and our people Corporate Services and Development April 2008, bringing over a decade management. of postdoctoral and management with the Institute at the beginning of The Human Resources and experience to the team. Dr Hartman July. She came across from her previous Organisational Development Unit has a strong research background in position as a Departmental Relationship provides a range of services to achieve the application of functional genomics Manager in the Budget and Financial required business objectives through methodologies, particularly in the arena Management Division at the Department effective human resource management of molecular biology, which will place of Treasury and Finance. Mari-Ann has practices and principles. The key human the team in good stead going forward. an academic background in economics resource achievements in 2007-08 and has worked at an executive level Our long-standing Quality Manager, included: in the health sector, both in a hospital Marie Syrjanen, left the organisation • Signing of the ‘Heads of Agreement setting and in the Department of Human after almost 19 years of service to 2007’ with the Australian Medical Services. the Institute. Marie was responsible Association (AMA) for our Medical for establishing a world class quality Dr Bentley Atchison retired from Specialists outlining their employment management section at the Institute and his position as Molecular Biology, conditions and entitlements; Manager, following close to two helping the Institute become a respected decades of service with the Institute. leader in the provision of forensic • Signing of a Memorandum of Highlights of Dr Atchison’s tenure are medical services. Marie’s contribution Understanding with the Australian many, including the establishment of will be missed. The Institute is committed Nursing Federation (ANF) Victoria DNA identification methodologies to to building on her effort and will Branch for our Forensic Nurse assist in the identification of deceased work to improve the quality of the Examiners employed within Clinical persons by the Coroner. Noteworthy is Institute’s activities. Forensic Medicine to provide forensic medicinal examinations for victims of the application of mitochondrial DNA David Moore has been a stalwart of sexual assault; analysis, where the Institute is a national the central administration of the Institute leader in this field. His contributions to for many years. A quiet man, he had • Keeping it nice in the workplace” the forensic community were formidable, a love for musical theatre and a fine - workplace bullying, discrimination representing the Institute at many voice. Perhaps unknown to many he & sexual harassment information national and international forums. was a strong supporter of the end of sessions delivered to staff in response The Molecular Biology Section has year Christmas revue and performed to the Government’s recently released seen the appointment of new staff, with on several occasions. His role at Code of Conduct and to ensure that further growth planned in the coming the Institute changed over the years, staff are aware of these issues and year. Ms Leah Morenos joined the working in the area of general and how to approach them; scientific stores control and in finance team following the completion of her • The development of a Leadership areas including purchasing. His calm Honours degree with our colleagues and Management Development demeanour, politeness and civility was at the Victoria Police Forensic Services Program for Managers to strengthen greatly appreciated by his colleagues
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 43 Human Resource Management
the leadership and management skills delivering high quality outcomes after move’ for young adults with type 1 across the Institute; the retirement of Dr Bentley Atchison diabetes. This educational resource, former Manager, Molecular Biology. As in the form of a DVD won a Freddie • Superannuation Seminars – to assist a team, the unit managed to complete award for excellence in international staff in building their superannuation a higher workload by working together, health & medical media and to help those planning for supporting each other, and������������� prioritising retirement; Lyndal Bugeja received the John Kirby work to ensure timelines and standards Memorial Road Safety Award for • Ensuring staff are aware of the were met. Best Paper by a New Researcher, requirements of the Code of Conduct Australasian Road Safety, Research. and policies and procedures through Service Awards the induction process and regular Dr Melanie Archer was awarded Best information in the Institutes monthly In December 2007 the following Educational Paper of 2007 by the staff newsletter; staff were presented with awards Australian Police Journal for her article recognising their service to the Institute: entitled “Forensic Entomology”. • Ensuring all our recruitment and selection processes are fair and • 10 years service - April Stock Professor Joan Ozanne-Smith was transparent: • 15 years service - Voula Staikos and elected Chair Scientific Committee 9th Injury Prevention Conference, is • Ensuring staff are conversant with Trish O’Brien a member of the 2nd Asia Pacific and participate in the Performance Injury Prevention Conference Scientific Management and Progression External recognition Committee and on the Editorial Board process; During this year a number of staff of the international journals: Injury • Ensuring the Institute’s grievance members received recognition from, or Prevention and Injury Control and resolution and disciplinary processes have been elected to important positions Safety Promotion. are followed and consistent and in, a number of external organisations. In June 2008, Professor Olaf Drummer • Reinforcing Institute values through Sarsha Collett, Shelley Robertson, became president of the TIAFT the ROSII awards (see below) which Soren Blau, and Tony Hill received a association for the next two years. acknowledge and celebrate the letter of commendation from the AFP Dr Melanie Archer and Dr Tony Hill hold outstanding work of individual staff Commissioner, Mick Keelty, for their positions on the Executive Organising and teams. contribution to “Operation Succurro” Committee of the 19th International – Garuda Airlines plane crash, Symposium on the Forensic Sciences. Yogyakarta, Indonesia. ROSII Awards Both are also representing their The Institute acknowledges and The Garuda Boeing 737-400 disciplines (entomology and odontology) celebrates outstanding work by passenger jet was carrying 133 on the conference’s Scientific Committee. passengers and seven crew when it awarding staff or teams a ROSII. Dr Richard Bassed was the invited overshot the runway at Yogyakarta’s These awards are presented to keynote speaker at the Leadership airport and crashed. The flight was staff who have demonstrated their Conference Corporate Management carrying some Australian diplomats, commitment to the Institute’s core values Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, officials and journalists who had of Respect, Openness, Service, Integrity 2007 and 2008 and Innovation. been accompanying Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who was not Dr Dimitri Gerostamoulos was an invited In December 2007 Mark Chu was aboard, on a visit to Indonesia. Twenty- speaker at this year’s Royal College recognised��������������������������� for his active involvement one people died in the crash, five of Pathologists of Australasia meeting in the social club’s activities, his great Australians were among those killed. in Sydney (March 2008) presenting contribution with the Green Team Within three days of the Garuda air “toxicology of new antipsychotic drugs”. initiative to help staff understand the crash, all five Australian victims were Dr Jodie Leditschke was elected Chair impacts of the little things we do, and his positively identified by the Institute of the Medical Sciences Specialist openness to new ideas and concepts. disaster victim identification team listed Advisory Group of the Senior Managers above. In March 2008 the ROSII Award was of Australian and New Zealand presented to the Molecular Biology team Morris Odell was a member of a team Forensic Laboratories. of Joy Russell, Leah Morenos and Linda that developed ‘GYST – Life Guide The Institute is committed to providing Benton for undertaking the activities for Young People with Diabetes on the required to manage the unit whilst still the highest level of protection against
44 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Occupational Health & Environment Safety risks to our staff’s health and safety As part of the Government’s release of Number Number Type of as is reasonably practicable. We a new Code of Conduct (received by Reported Reported Incident believe that health and safety are all staff) and our responsibility to the 2006-07 2007-08 everyone’s responsibility and require OH&S and Equal Opportunity Acts, on Burn - - the commitment of each staff member, the 22 November, 4 and 14 December agency staff, student and external 2007, the Institute provided training for Cut / 6 5 contractor to be effective. We have staff on the topic of “Keeping it nice in puncture Occupational Health, Safety and the workplace – Workplace bullying, Environment Policy and Procedures discrimination and sexual harassment”. Fall 1 2 Manuals for laboratories and the wider Caitlin Huffer, Manager Employee Institute which new staff are required to Relations, Department of Justice gave Fire - 1 read as part of their induction process. a great presentation and Institute staff Fumes/ provided very positive feedback from - 1 As part of October Safety Month Odour the training sessions. in 2007, the Institute drew on the relationship with the Department In June 2008, two joint training sessions Hazard 1 7 of Justice and provided staff with on First-Aid Level 1 was provided to Department of Justice Safety Week relevant staff of the Institute (Forensic Knock 1 - showbags. The showbags included Technical Services and Donor Tissue safety information relevant to the Bank of Victoria) and the State Coroner’s Near Miss - 4 workplace and generally for health Office. The training was to facilitate an well-being. increased awareness around first aid Needle stick 3 5 procedures and was offered to staff On the 15 November, 2007 Dr Philip who participate in on-call rosters and Swann, Manager of Alcohol, Drugs and Other 2 1 24 hour shift work. The feedback from Fatigue within the Road Safety section Personal staff who attended the training sessions of VicRoads, presented a lecture to Safety / - - was extremely positive, especially for staff on the Victorian Alcohol Interlock Threat the trainer Peter Walker, Health Services Program. The lecture focused on alcohol Property Officer, H.M Prison Barwon. 1 - and its impact on road trauma and damage government strategies to reduce The number of safety Incidents reported Slip - 1 drink driving. in 2007-08 was 38, an increase from the previous year of 17, with notable increases in the reporting of Hazards Splash - 3 and Near Misses, an indication of the Institute’s commitment to the prevention Sprain - 3 of injury at all levels with staff being active in awareness and participation of Strain 2 5 identifying potential risks. Each incident has been investigated to TOTAL 17 38 ensure staff safety and improvements are implemented to prevent the incident from recurring in the future. Some of the improvements made as a result of the incidents included increased staff training, reviewing policies and procedures, changes to personal protective equipment, replacing equipment and increasing resources to improve the health and wellbeing of staff. The table to the right shows the different types of incidents reported by staff in 2007-08. Samantha Whitehead
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 45 SOCIAL CLUB & GREEN TEAM
CSC Social Club report resources and promote sustainable 2007-08 living generally. Another year for the CSC Social Club Endorsement saw our membership increase from 90 The establishment of the Green team to over 130. The high acceptance rate has been endorsed by the Institute from staff indicates approval of our Leadership Group and the founding aim to provide diverse and interesting Chair appointed by the Director, for an activities for staff, welcoming partners initial term of 12 months. and friends, to foster a more family- Membership like and less work-like environment. Membership of the Green Team is We have also encouraged the State voluntary and based on individual Coroner’s Office staff, with an open interest. Following the initial term of the invitation, to join the club and make it a Chair, the members will determine the building wide activity. Chair for subsequent terms. Over the year we held quite a few Meetings functions, ranging from our monthly The Green Team meets monthly, with mingle Fridays which are an informal extraordinary meetings as decided by get-together and exploration of the Team. Melbourne’s vibrant bar scene, to a mid year Chinese dinner, and the always It submits recommendations for exceptional Christmas party. We also energy/resource savings to the regularly hold a healthy lunch day for all Head, Corporate Services for staff, as well as some other minor events consideration/action. which are used as fund-raisers for our Achievements for 2007-08 major events. These fund raising efforts with a $1 a week commitment from our • Logo������������������������������������� designed and rolled out to assist members added to the generous support in identity; from the Institute, enable our ongoing • Education program including posters efforts to bring all staff together socially. to assist staff in recycling, Handy hint emails to provide staff with “greener” Thanks in particular to our hard working ways to work and live; committee who ensure the club is run in • Flow restrictors installed in all shower a professional but fun manner. heads; President: Murray Hall • Eight kilograms of mobile phones Vice President: Jarrod Boxall / batteries and accessories were Secretary: Melynda Nooy collected for recycling; Treasurer: Joanne Hanna • Recycling made available for batteries Committee members: Emily Orchard, and fluorescent tubes & lamps; Mark Chu, April Smith, Marde Hoy • Participated in Earth Hour; and • A breakfast was held with the CSC The Green Team Social Club to celebrate participants The Green Team was set up in June in ‘Ride to Work’ day. 2007 with the following terms of reference. Aims: • To assist Institute management to identify potential savings in use of energy and resources; and • To initiate ideas and activities for Institute staff to save energy and
46 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report STATUTORY REPORTING
Whistleblowers Reporting system and contact Privacy Act 2000 persons for the Victorian Protection Act 2001 The Institute is bound by the Institute of Forensic Medicine requirements of the Information Privacy Objectives of Whistleblowers The Institute uses the reporting system Act 2000 and the Health Records Protection Act 2001 and procedures established by the Act 2001 in how we collect, handle Department of Justice. The procedures The Whistleblowers Protection Act and disclose personal and health can be found at www.justice.vic.gov. 2001 was introduced in Victoria on 1 information. au/whistleblowers. Disclosures of January 2002. The legislation aims to improper conduct or detrimental action We established a Privacy Committee in encourage whistleblowers to disclose by the Victorian Institute of Forensic 2002 to ensure that privacy obligations improper conduct by public officers and Medicine or our employees may be are met according to both Acts. In public bodies. It protects whistleblowers made to either: the last 12 months, the Committee and establishes a system to investigate has undertaken an audit of all routine disclosed matters. Ombudsman Victoria disclosures of information for secondary 3/459 Collins St (South Tower) purposes and has continued working Statement of support to Melbourne VIC 3000 proactively to improve some of the whistleblowers Tel: 03 9613 6222 current procedures. A review of the The Victorian Institute of Forensic Tel: (toll free) 1800 806 314 Institute’s privacy policy was initiated Medicine is committed to the aims Protected Disclosure Coordinator and will be completed in 2008. and objectives of the Whistleblowers Department of Justice Information regarding the Victorian Protection Act 2001. We do not GPO Box 4356QQ Institute of Forensic Medicine Privacy tolerate improper conduct by our Melbourne VIC 3001 Policy is available on our website at employees, officers or members, or Tel: 03 8684 0031 www.vifm.org. the taking of reprisals against those who come forward to disclose such Freedom of conduct. The Institute recognises the Building Act 1993 value of transparency and Information Act 1982 The Minister for Finance’s Guidelines, accountability in our administrative and The Freedom of Information Act 1982 published in accordance with section management practices, and supports (the Act) gives people the right to 220 of the Building Act 1993, the making of disclosures that reveal request access to information held aim to promote better standards corrupt conduct, conduct involving a by the Victorian Government and its of buildings owned by the Crown substantial mismanagement of public agencies. The Institute complies with this and public authorities and require resources, or conduct involving a Act. During the 2007-08 financial year, statutory authorities to report on their substantial risk to public health and the Institute received three requests for achievements. safety or the environment. information under the Act. One of these The Victorian Institute of Forensic requests was granted and there were The Institute will take all reasonable Medicine has commissioned a building no documents existing for the remaining steps to protect people who make such condition audit which was conducted two requests. disclosures from any detrimental by an external consultant. The necessary action in reprisal for making the People wishing to access information building upgrades will be addressed as disclosure. It will also afford natural under the Act should make a written part of the refurbishment of the Coronial justice to the person who is the subject request directed to: Services Centre for which funding has of the disclosure. The Freedom of Information Officer been secured and is due to commence within the year. Disclosures for the period of Ms Helen McKelvie 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 Manager Medico-Legal Policy and National Competition Research There were no disclosures made in Policy relation to the Institute in the reporting Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine period. 57 – 83 Kavanagh Street The Victorian Institute of Forensic Southbank 3006 Medicine complies with National Competition Policy principles as Telephone: 9684 4444 identified in the Department of Treasury’s Facsimile: 9682 7353 “Competitive Neutrality – A Statement of E-Mail: [email protected] Victorian Government Policy”.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 47 Attestation on compliance with the Australian/ New Zealand Risk Management Standard
48 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report OPERATING STATEMENT
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 2008 2007 $ $ Income Grant - Department of Justice 2(a) 10,394,220 8,146,065 Other revenue 2(b) 8,307,855 8,274,227 Total income 18,702,075 16,420,292
Expenses Employee benefits 3(a) (12,821,944) (10,677,741) Depreciation and amortisation 3(b) (699,818) (790,006) Supplies and services 3(c) (6,446,865) (5,085,542) Finance costs 3(d) (16,163) (16,011) Other expenses 3(e) (28,865) (22,487) Total expenses (20,013,655) (16,591,787)
Net result from continuing operations (1,311,580) (171,495) Net result for the period (1,311,580) (171,495)
The above Operating statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 49 BALANCE SHEET
As at 30 June 2008
Note 2008 2007 $ $ Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 17 1,937,051 1,840,779 Receivables 5 3,628,219 1,779,583 Inventories 11,871 21,854 Non-current assets classified as held for sale 7 31,471 - Total current assets 5,608,612 3,642,216
Non-current assets Receivables 5 270,462 273,308 Property, plant and equipment 6 5,896,275 6,347,558 Total non-current assets 6,166,737 6,620,866
Total assets 11,775,349 10,263,082
Current liabilities Payables 9 941,051 543,730 Interest bearing liabilities 10 98,460 142,976 Provisions 11 2,914,245 2,397,662 Prepaid revenue 235,949 65,000 Total current liabilities 4,189,705 3,149,368
Non-current liabilities Interest bearing liabilities 10 136,329 54,476 Provisions 11 270,462 273,308 Total non-current liabilities 406,791 327,784
Total liabilities 4,596,496 3,477,152
Net assets 7,178,853 6,785,929
Equity Contributed capital 18(a) 9,047,453 7,342,949 Accumulated surplus/(deficit) 18(b) (1,868,600) (557,020) Total equity 7,178,853 6,785,929 Commitments for expenditure 14 Contingent assets and contingent liabilities 15
The above Balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
2008 2007 $ $ Total equity at beginning of financial year 6,785,929 7,342,949 Adjustments on change in accounting policy - (226,928) Accumulated surplus/(deficit) - (158,597) Net result for the period (1,311,580) (171,495) Capital transactions with the Department of Justice 1,704,504 - Total equity at end of financial year 7,178,853 6,785,929
The above Statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 51 CASH FLOW STATEMENT
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 2008 2007 $ $ Cash flows from operating activities Receipts Receipts from Government 8,163,901 7,932,344 Receipts from other entities 8,750,081 8,656,245 Interest received 113,255 93,967 Total receipts 17,027,237 16,682,556
Payments Payments to suppliers and employees (18,376,649) (15,717,010) Interest and other costs of finance paid (16,163) (16,011) Total payments (18,392,812) (15,733,021)
Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities 17(b) (1,365,575) 949,535
Cash flows from investing activities Payments for property, plant and equipment (212,539) (831,551) Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities (212,539) (831,551)
Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from capital contribution by State Government 1,726,000 - Repayment of finance leases (51,614) (23,307) Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities 1,674,386 (23,307)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 96,272 94,677
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year 1,840,779 1,746,102
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year 17(a) 1,937,051 1,840,779
Non-cash transactions are disclosed in Note 17(b). The above Cash flow statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
52 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 1. Summary of accounting policies (a) Statement of compliance The financial report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Australian Accounting Standards (AAS), which includes the Australian accounting standards issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB), Interpretations and other mandatory professional requirements. The financial report also complies with relevant Financial Reporting Directions (FRDs) issued by the Department of Treasury and Finance, and relevant Standing Directions (SD) authorised by the Minister for Finance. (b) Basis of preparation The financial report has been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain non-current assets and financial instruments. Cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in exchange for these assets. In the application of AAS’s, management is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstance, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements. Actual results may differ from estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision, and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. Accounting policies are selected and applied in a manner which ensures that the resulting financial information satisfies the concepts of relevance and reliability, thereby ensuring that the substance of the underlying transactions or other events is reported. The accounting policies set out below have been applied in preparing the financial report for the year ended 30 June 2008, and the comparative information presented for the year ended 30 June 2007. Change in accounting policy and corrections to prior year reported balances On 1 July 2007, the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (the Institute) changed its accounting policy in relation to its asset capitalisation threshold increasing it from $1,000 to $5,000. Implementing the policy will provide operational efficiencies and increased budget flexibility to the Institute. The change in policy has been applied retrospectively and comparative information in relation to the 2007 financial year has been restated accordingly. Due to the immaterial impact on the Operating statement no retrospective changes have been applied to the affected Operating statement line items but the total balance has been adjusted to accumulated surplus/(deficit). The following table shows how the change in the asset capitalisation threshold impacted comparative balances. Due to the incorrect classification of prepaid revenue from an external provider, total liabilities were overstated for the year ended 30 June 2007 by $618,500. This had the effect of understating revenue by $618,500 and the net result and total equity by $618,500 as at 30 June 2007 (refer Note 4). Due to the incorrect classification of contributed capital in 2005-06, total contributed capital was understated for the year ended 30 June 2006 by $108,052. This had the effect of overstating the carried forward accumulated funds by $108,052 in subsequent years (refer Note 4). The corrections as described above have been made by restating each of the affected financial statement line items for the prior year.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 53 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 1. Summary of accounting policies (CONTINUED)
30 June 2007 Increase/(Decrease) 2007 Restated
Balance sheet (extract) Property, plant and equipment 6,574,486 (226,928) 6,347,558 Total assets 10,490,010 (226,928) 10,263,082
Accumulated surplus/(deficit) (840,540) Adjustments on change in accounting policy (226,928) Transfer to contributed capital (108,052) Correction of prepaid revenue 618,500 (557,020) Contributed capital 7,234,897 108,052 7,342,949 Total equity 6,394,357 391,572 6,785,929
(c) Reporting entity The financial report covers the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine as an individual reporting entity. The Institute is a body corporate established under Part 9 of the Victorian Coroners Act 1985 operating under the auspices of the Department of Justice and reporting to Parliament through the Attorney-General. The Institute’s objectives, functions, powers and duties are set out in sections 64 to 66 of the Act. Its principal address is: Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine 57-83 Kavanagh Street Southbank VIC 3006 The financial report includes all the controlled activities of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. (d) Objectives and funding We work predominantly in accordance with two pieces of legislation: the Coroners Act 1985 and the Human Tissue Act 1982. Section 64(2) of the Coroners Act 1985 provides that the objectives of the Institute are: • to provide, promote and assist in the provision of forensic pathology and related services in Victoria and, as far as practicable, oversee and co-ordinate those services in Victoria • to promote, provide and assist in the post-graduate instruction and training of trainee specialist pathologists in the field of forensic pathology in Victoria • to promote, provide and assist in the post-graduate instruction and training of persons qualified in biological sciences in the field of toxicological and forensic science in Victoria • to provide training facilities for doctors, medical undergraduates and such other persons as may be considered appropriate by the Council to assist in the proper functioning of the Institute • to conduct research in the fields of forensic pathology, forensic science, clinical forensic medicine and associated fields as approved by the Council
54 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 1. Summary of accounting policies (CONTINUED) • to provide, promote and assist in the provision of clinical forensic medicine and related services to the police force of Victoria and government bodies • to promote, provide and assist in under-graduate and post-graduate instruction in the field of clinical forensic medicine in Victoria • to promote, provide and assist in the teaching of and training in clinical forensic medicine within medical, legal, general health and other education programs • to provide for the storage of tissue, taken in accordance with the Human Tissue Act 1982 from deceased persons coming under the jurisdiction of coroners in Victoria, for use for therapeutic purposes The Human Tissue Act 1982 regulates the donation of human tissue by living persons and after death. It provides authority for post-mortem examinations, prohibits the trading in human tissue and gives a definition of death. (e) Goods and Services Tax (GST) Income, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense. The Department of Justice manages the GST transactions on behalf of the Institute and the net amount of GST recoverable from or payable to, the taxation authority is recognised in the Department of Justice’s financial statements. (f) Income recognition Income becomes controlled by the Institute when it is granted from the Department of Justice. Additionally, the Institute is permitted under Section 29 of the Financial Management Act 1994 to have certain revenue annotated to the annual grant. The revenue which forms part of a Section 29 agreement is recognised by the Institute and the receipts paid into the Consolidated Fund as an administered item. At the point of revenue recognition, Section 29 provides for an equivalent amount to be added to the annual grant. Government grants Revenue from the outputs the Institute provides to Government is recognised when those outputs have been delivered and the relevant Minister has certified delivery of those outputs in accordance with specified performance criteria. Other revenue Amounts disclosed as revenue are, where applicable, net of returns, allowances and duties and taxes. Revenue is recognised for each of the Institute’s major activities as follows: The Fee for Service Fund and the Donor Tissue Bank The Fee for Service Fund and the Donor Tissue Bank revenue represents services rendered to clients which are recognised when the service is provided. Interest revenue Interest revenue includes interest received on bank term deposits, interest from investments, and other interest received. Interest revenue is recognised on a time proportionate basis and takes into account the effective yield on the financial assets. (g) Expenses Employee benefits Employee benefits expenses include all costs related to employment including wages and salaries, leave entitlements, redundancy payments and superannuation contributions. These are recognised when incurred, except for contributions in respect of defined benefit plans.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 55 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 1. Summary of accounting policies (CONTINUED) Superannuation The amount charged to the Operating statement in respect of defined benefit plan superannuation represents the contributions made by the Institute to the superannuation plan in respect to the current services of current Institute staff. Superannuation contributions are made to the plans based on the relevant rules of each plan. The Department of Treasury and Finance centrally recognises the defined benefit liability or surplus of most Victorian government employees in such funds. Contributions to defined contribution superannuation plans are expensed when incurred. Depreciation Depreciation is provided on property, plant and equipment. Depreciation is generally calculated on a straight-line basis so as to write-off the net cost or other revalued amount of each asset over its expected useful life to its estimated residual value. The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed at the end of each annual reporting period. Note 6 provides details on the estimated useful lives that are used in the calculation of depreciation on property, plant and equipment. Finance costs Finance costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred and include finance lease charges. Impairment of assets Assets are assessed annually for indications of impairment, except for: • inventories (refer Note 1(h)) • financial assets (refer Note 1(h)) If there is an indication of impairment, the assets concerned are tested as to whether their carrying value exceeds their possible recoverable amount. Where an asset’s carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount, the difference is written off by a charge to the Operating statement except to the extent that the write-down can be debited to an asset revaluation reserve amount applicable to that class of asset. It is deemed that, in the event of the loss of an asset, the future economic benefits arising from the use of the asset will be replaced unless a specific decision to the contrary has been made. The recoverable amount for most assets is measured at the higher of depreciated replacement cost and fair value less costs to sell. Recoverable amount for assets held primarily to generate net cash inflows is measured at the higher of the present value of future cash flows expected to be obtained from the asset and fair value less costs to sell. Supplies and services Supplies and services generally represent cost of goods sold and the day-to-day running costs, including maintenance costs, incurred in the normal operations of the Institute. These items are recognised as an expense in the reporting period in which they are incurred. The carrying amount of any inventories held for distribution is expenses when distributed. (h) Assets All non-current assets, controlled by the Institute are reported in the Balance sheet. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and cash in bank. Receivables Receivables consist predominantly of debtors in relation to goods and services and accrued investment income.
56 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 1. Summary of accounting policies (CONTINUED) Receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method, less any accumulated impairment. A provision for doubtful receivables is made when there is objective evidence that the debts will not be collected. Bad debts are written-off when identified. Inventories Inventories include goods held either for sale or for distribution at no or nominal cost in the ordinary course of business operations. Inventories held for distribution are measured at cost, adjusted for any loss of service potential. All other inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Bases used in assessing loss of service potential for inventories held for distribution include current replacement cost and technical or functional obsolescence. Technical obsolescence occurs when an item still functions for some or all of the tasks it was originally acquired to do, but no longer matches existing technologies. Functional obsolescence occurs when an item no longer functions the way it did when it was first acquired. Cost for all other inventory is measured on the basis of weighted average cost. Inventories acquired for no cost or nominal consideration are measured at current replacement cost at the date of acquisition. Property, plant and equipment Land and buildings are recognised initially at cost and subsequently measured at fair value less accumulated depreciation. Plant, equipment and vehicles are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Revaluations of non-current physical assets Non-current physical assets measured at fair value are revalued in accordance with FRD 103C. The revaluation process normally occurs every five years, based upon the asset’s Government Purpose Classification. Revaluation increments or decrements arise from differences between carrying value and fair value. Revaluation increments are credited directly to equity in the revaluation reserve, except that, to the extent than an increment reserves a revaluation decrement in respect of that class of asset previously recognised as an expense in the net result, the increment is recognised as income in determining the net result. Revaluation decrements are recognised immediately as expenses in the net result, except that, to the extent that a credit balance exists in the revaluation reserve in respect of the same class of assets, they are debited to the revaluation reserve. Revaluation increases and revaluation decreases relating to individual assets within an asset class are offset against one another within that class but are not offset in respect of assets in different classes. Revaluation reserves are not normally transferred to accumulated surplus on de-recognition of the relevant asset. Leases Leases of property, plant and equipment are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases. Institute as lessee Finance leases are recognised as assets and liabilities at amounts equal to the fair value of the lease property or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payment, each determined at the inception of the lease. The lease asset is depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the lease. Minimum lease payments are allocated between the principal component of the lease liability, and the interest expense calculated using the interest rate implicit in the lease, and charged directly to the operating statement. Contingent rentals associated with finance leases are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 57 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 1. Summary of accounting policies (CONTINUED) (i) Liabilities Payables Payables consist predominantly of creditors and other sundry liabilities. Payables are initially recognised at fair value, then subsequently carried at amortised cost and represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Institute prior to the end of financial year, that are unpaid, and arise when the Institute becomes obliged to make future payments in respect of the purchase of these goods and services. Fair value is determined in the manner described in Note 16. Interest bearing liabilities Interest bearing liabilities are recorded initially at fair value, net of transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest bearing liabilities are measured at amortised cost with any difference between the initial recognised amount and the redemption value being recognised in profit and loss over the period of the interest bearing liability using the effective interest rate method. Fair value is determined in the manner described in Note 16. Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Institute has a present obligation, the future sacrifice of economic benefits is probable, and the amount of the provision can be measured reliably. The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at reporting date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows. Employee benefits (i) Wages and salaries, annual leave and sick leave Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and accumulating sick leave expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised in the provision for employee benefits in respect of employee services up to the reporting date, classified as current liabilities and measured at their nominal values. Those liabilities that are expected to be settled within 12 months are recognised in the provision for employee benefits as current liabilities, measured at present value of the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled using the remuneration rate excepted to apply at the time of settlement. (ii) Long service leave Liability for long service leave (LSL) is recognised in the provision for employee benefits. • Current liability - unconditional LSL is disclosed as a current liability even where the Institute does not expect to settle the liability within 12 months because it will not have the unconditional right to defer the settlement of the entitlement should an employee take leave within 12 months. The components of this current LSL liability are measured at: • present value - component that the Institute does not expect to settle within 12 months • nominal value - component that the Institute expects to settle within 12 months • Non-current liability - conditional LSL is disclosed as a non-current liability. There is an unconditional right to defer the settlement of the entitlement until the employee has completed the requisite years of service. This non-current LSL liability is measured at present value.
58 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 1. Summary of accounting policies (CONTINUED) (iii) Termination benefits Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated before the normal retirement date, or when an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Institute recognises termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to either terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal or providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after balance sheet date are discounted to present value. Employee benefits on-costs Employee benefits on-costs (payroll tax, workers compensation, superannuation, annual leave and LSL accrued while on LSL taken in service) are recognised separately from provision for employee benefits. (j) Commitments Commitments include those operating, capital and other outsourcing commitments arising from non-cancellable contractual or statutory sources and are disclosed at their nominal value. (k) Contingent assets and contingent liabilities Contingent assets and contingent liabilities are not recognised in the Balance sheet, but are disclosed by way of a note and, if quantifiable, are measured at nominal value. (l) Equity Contributions by owners Additions to net assets which have been designated as contributions by owners are recognised as contributed capital. Other transfers that are in the nature of contributions or distributions have also been designated as contributions by owners. (m) Functional and presentation currency The functional currency of the Institute is the Australian dollar, which has also been identified as the presentation currency of this Institute. (n) Rounding of amounts Amounts in the financial report have been rounded to the nearest dollar. (o) New accounting standards and interpretations Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the 30 June 2008 reporting period. The Department of Treasury and Finance assesses the impact of these new standards and advises departments and other entities of their applicability and early adoption where applicable. As at 30 June 2008, the following standards had been issued but were not mandatory for the financial year ending 30 June 2008. The Institute has not, and does not intend to, adopt these standards early.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 59 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 1. Summary of accounting policies (CONTINUED) New accounting standards and interpretations (continued)
Applicable for annual Impact on financial Standard/Interpretation Summary reporting periods statements beginning or ending on AASB 2007-3 An accompanying amending Beginning 1 January 2009. Impact expected to be Amendments to Australian standard, also introduced insignificant. Accounting Standards arising consequential amendments from AASB 8 (AASB 5, into other Standards. AASB 6, AASB 102, AASB 107, AASB 119, AASB 127, AASB 134, AASB 136, AASB 1023 and AASB 1038). AASB 2007-8 Editorial amendments to Beginning 1 January 2009. Impact expected to be Amendments to Australian Australian Accounting insignificant. Accounting Standards arising Standards to align with IFRS from AASB 101. terminology.
(p) Prospective accounting changes GAAP-GFS Convergence The AASB has recently approved AASB 1049 Whole of Government and General Government Sector Financial Reporting, which will apply to future financial reports of the Victorian general government sector. In October 2007, the AASB extended AASB 1049 to also apply to financial reports of the Whole of Government economic entity. The standard, which will be applicable for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2008, converges Australian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Finance Statistics (GFS) reporting. It also includes additional disclosure requirements. The effect of any changes to recognition or measurement requirements as a result of these new standards are being evaluated.
60 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 2. INCOME 2008 2007 $ $ (a) Revenue from Government Grant - Department of Justice 10,394,220 8,146,065 Total revenue from Government 10,394,220 8,146,065
(b) Other revenue Revenue from the rendering of services 6,404,077 6,450,813 Donor Tissue Bank 1,790,523 1,729,447 8,194,600 8,180,260
Interest revenue Income from investments 113,255 93,967 113,255 93,967
Total other revenue 8,307,855 8,274,227
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 61 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 3. EXPENSES 2008 2007 $ $ (a) Employee benefits Post employment benefits Superannuation 950,108 786,487 Termination benefits 109,571 102,480 Salary and wages 9,487,748 8,152,688 Annual leave and long service leave expense 1,558,160 972,375 Other on-costs (fringe benefits tax, payroll tax and 716,357 663,711 workcover levy) Total employee benefits 12,821,944 10,677,741
(b) Depreciation and amortisation Depreciation of non-current assets 648,504 744,043 Amortisation of non-current assets 51,314 45,963 Total depreciation and amortisation 699,818 790,006
(c) Supplies and services Purchase of supplies and consumables 4,127,798 3,405,506 Purchase of services 1,611,564 998,810 Maintenance 707,503 681,226 Total supplies and services 6,446,865 5,085,542
(d) Finance costs Interest and finance charges paid/payable 16,163 16,011 Total finance costs 16,163 16,011
(e) Other expenses Lease expense 1,040 12,987 Victorian Auditor General’s Office 27,825 9,500 Total other expenses 28,865 22,487
Total expenses 20,013,655 16,591,787
62 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 4. Corrections Correction in recording of prepaid revenue in previous financial year Due to the incorrect classification of prepaid revenue from an external provider, total liabilities were overstated for the year ended 30 June 2007 by $618,500. This had the effect of understating revenue by $618,500 and the net result and total equity by $618,500 as at 30 June 2007.
Correction in recording of contributed capital in previous financial year Due to the incorrect classification of contributed capital in 2005/06, total contributed capital was understated for the year ended 30 June 2006 by $108,052. This had the effect of overstating the carried forward accumulated funds by $108,052 in subsequent years. The corrections as described above have been made by restating each of the affected financial statement line items for the prior year.
Note 5. Receivables 2008 2007 $ $ Current receivables Amounts owing from Department of Justice 2,522,629 289,464 Other receivables (a) 1,145,581 1,529,133 Allowance for doubtful debts (b) (39,991) (39,014) Total current receivables 3,628,219 1,779,583
Non-current receivables Amounts owing from Department of Justice 270,462 273,308 Total non-current receivables 270,462 273,308
Total receivables 3,898,681 2,052,891 Notes: (a) The average credit period on sales of goods and/or services is 30 days. No interest is charged on other receivables.
(b) An allowance has been made for the estimated irrecoverable amounts from the sale of goods and/or services, determined by reference to past default experience. The movement in the allowance for doubtful debts of $977 was recognised in the operating result for the current financial year.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 63 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 5. Receivables (CONTINUED) (a) Movement in the allowance for doubtful debts
2008 2007 $ $ Balance at beginning of the year 39,014 16,505 Amounts written-off during the year (1,655) - Amounts recovered during the year (18,936) - Increase/(decrease) in allowance recognised in profit or loss 21,568 22,509
Balance at end of the year 39,991 39,014
(b) Nature and extent of risk arising from receivables Please refer to Note 16(c) for the nature and extent of credit risk arising from receivables.
Note 6. Property, plant and equipment Table 6.1. Classification by ‘Purpose Group’ (a) - Carrying amounts Classification by ‘Purpose Group’ (a) Public Safety and Environment 2008 2007 $ $ Nature-based classification(a) Buildings at fair value 2,905,739 2,840,414 less accumulated depreciation (218,988) (109,356)
Plant, equipment and vehicles at cost: Plant and equipment at cost 7,151,555 7,148,384 less accumulated depreciation (4,143,976) (3,727,649)
Plant and equipment under finance lease at cost 253,095 258,770 less accumulated depreciation (51,150) (63,005)
Net carrying amount of Property, plant and equipment 5,896,275 6,347,558 Note: (a) Property, plant and equipment are classified primarily by the ‘purpose’ for which the assets are used, according to one of six ‘Purpose Groups’ based upon Government Purpose Classifications (GPC). All assets within a ‘Purpose Group’ are further sub-categorised according to the asset’s ‘nature’ (i.e. buildings, plant and equipment etc), with each sub-category being classified as a separate class of asset for financial reporting purposes.
64 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 6. Property, plant and equipment (continued) Table 6.2. Classification by ‘Public Safety and Environment Purpose Group’ - Movements in carrying amount
Plant and equipment at Plant and equipment under Buildings at fair value Total cost finance lease at cost 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Opening balance 2,731,058 2,810,584 3,420,735 3,480,628 195,765 209,848 6,347,558 6,501,060 Adjustments on change in accounting policy - - - (226,928) - - - (226,928) Additions 65,325 29,830 147,213 801,722 173,745 70,309 386,283 901,861
Disposals - - (21,496) - (84,781) (38,429) (106,277) (38,429)
Transfer to assets classified as held for sale - - - - (31,471) - (31,471) -
Depreciation expense (109,633) (109,356) (538,871) (634,687) (51,315) (45,963) (699,818) (790,006)
Closing balance 2,686,750 2,731,058 3,007,582 3,420,735 201,943 195,765 5,896,275 6,347,558
The following useful lives of assets are used in the calculation of depreciation: Buildings 40 years Plant and equipment 3 to 15 years
Freehold buildings carried at fair value An independent valuation of the Institute’s buildings was performed by Charter Keck Cramer to determine the fair value of the buildings. The valuation, which conforms to Australian Valuation Standards, was determined by reference to the amounts for which assets could be exchanged between knowledgeable willing parties in an arm’s length transaction. The valuation was based on independent assessments. The effective date of the valuation is 30 June 2006.
Note 7. Non-current assets classified as held for sale 2008 2007 $ $ Non-current assets Plant and equipment under finance lease 31,471 -
Total non-current assets classified as held for sale 31,471 -
Note 8. Assets pledged as security 2008 2007 $ $ The carrying amounts of assets pledged as security are: Finance lease Plant and equipment under finance lease (Note 6) 201,943 195,765 Total assets pledged as security 201,943 195,765
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 65 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 9. Payables 2008 2007 $ $ Trade creditors and accruals (a) 567,194 363,316 Salaries and wages 350,753 159,198 Fringe benefits tax 23,104 21,216
Total payables 941,051 543,730 Note: (a) The average credit period on trade creditors is 30 days.
(a) Maturity analysis of payables Please refer to Table 16.3 in Note 16 for the ageing analysis of payables.
(b) Nature and extent of risk arising from payables Please refer to Note 16 for the nature and extent of risks arising from payables.
Note 10. Interest bearing liabilities 2008 2007 $ $ Current Secured At amortised cost: Finance lease liabilities (a) (Note 16) 98,460 142,976 Total current interest bearing liabilities 98,460 142,976
Non-current Secured At amortised cost: Finance lease liabilities (a) (Note 16) 136,329 54,476 Total non-current interest bearing liabilities 136,329 54,476
Total interest bearing liabilities 234,789 197,452 Note: (a) Secured by the assets leased.
66 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 10. Interest bearing liabilities (CONTINUED) (a) Maturity analysis of interest bearing liabilities Please refer to Table 16.3 in Note 16 for the ageing analysis of interest bearing liabilities.
(b) Nature and extent of risk arising from interest bearing liabilities Please refer to Note 16 for the nature and extent of risks arising from interest bearing liabilities.
Note 11. PROVISIONS 2008 2007 $ $ Current Employee benefits(a) (Note 11(a)) Unconditional and expected to be settled within 12 months (b) 2,248,508 1,664,045 Unconditional and expected to be settled after 12 months (c) 198,016 336,375
Provisions related to employee benefit on-costs Unconditional and expected to be settled within 12 months (b) 432,492 342,133 Unconditional and expected to be settled after 12 months (c) 35,229 55,110 Total current provisions 2,914,245 2,397,662
Non-current Employee benefits(a) (Note 11(a)) 243,990 235,549 Provisions related to employee benefit on-costs 26,472 37,759 Total non-current provisions 270,462 273,308
Total provisions 3,184,707 2,670,970
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 67 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 11. PROVISIONS (CONTINUED) (a) Employee benefits(a) and related on-costs
2008 2007 $ $ Current employee benefits Annual leave entitlements 855,310 894,136 Unconditional long service leave entitlements 1,591,215 1,106,283
Non-current employee benefits Conditional long service leave entitlements 243,990 235,549 Total employee benefits 2,690,515 2,235,968
Current on-costs 467,721 397,243 Non-current on-costs 26,472 37,759 Total on-costs 494,193 435,002
Total employee benefits and related on-costs 3,184,707 2,670,970 Notes: (a) Provisions for employee benefits consist of amounts for annual leave and long service leave accrued by employees, not including on-costs. (b) The amounts disclosed are nominal amounts. (c) The amounts disclosed are discounted to present values.
Note 12. SuperannuatioN Employees of the Institute are entitled to receive superannuation benefits and the Institute contributes to both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. The defined benefit plan(s) provides benefits based on years of service and final average salary. The Institute does not recognise any defined benefit liability in respect of the plan because the entity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay future benefits relating to its employees; its only obligation is to pay superannuation contributions as they fall due. The Department of Treasury and Finance recognises and discloses the State’s defined benefit liabilities in its financial report. Superannuation contributions paid or payable for the reporting period are included as part of employee benefits in the Operating statement of the Institute. The name and details of the major employee superannuation funds and contributions made by the Institute are as follows:
68 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 12. Superannuation (CONTINUED) Contribution outstanding Fund Paid contribution for the year at year end 2008 2007 2008 2007 $ $ $ $ Defined benefit plans State superannuation fund - revised and new 149,816 149,618 - - Defined contribution plans VicSuper 407,420 350,963 - - Other 392,872 285,906 - - Total 950,108 786,487 - - Notes: (a) The bases for contributions are determined by the various schemes. (b) The above amounts were measured as at 30 June of each year, or in the case of employer contributions they relate to the years ended 30 June.
Note 13. LeaSES Disclosure for lessees - finance leases Leasing arrangements Finance leases relate to motor vehicles with lease terms of 3 years.
Minimum future lease payments (a) Present value of minimum future lease payments 2008 2007 2008 2007 $ $ $ $ Finance lease liabilities payable Not longer than 1 year 110,260 152,363 98,460 142,976 Longer than 1 year and not longer than 5 years 111,280 59,586 136,329 54,476 Minimum future lease payments 221,539 211,949 234,789 197,452 Less future finance charges (19,398) (14,497) - - Present value of minimum lease payments 202,141 197,452 234,789 197,452
Included in the financial statements as Current interest bearing liabilities (Note 10) 98,460 142,976 Non-current interest bearing liabilities (Note 10) 136,329 54,476 234,789 197,452 Note: (a) Minimum future lease payments includes the aggregate of all lease payments and any guaranteed residual.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 69 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 14. Commitments for expenditure (a) Capital expenditure commitments There are no capital expenditure commitments. (2007 - Nil). (b) Lease commitments Finance lease liabilities are disclosed in Note 13 to the financial statements.
Note 15. Contingent assets and contingent liabilITIES There were no contingent asset and liabilities at balance date not provided for in the Balance sheet. (2007 - Nil).
Note 16. Financial instrumENTS (a) Significant accounting policies Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement, and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, with respect to each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in Note 1 to the financial statements. (b) Table 16.1. Categorisation of financial instruments
Financial assets Note Category Carrying amount
2008 2007 $ $ Cash and cash equivalents - N/A 1,937,051 1,840,779 Receivables 5 Loans and receivables (at amortised cost) 3,898,681 2,052,891
Financial liabilities Note Category Carrying amount
2008 2007 $ $ Payables (a) 9 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 917,947 522,514 Interest bearing liabilities 10 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 234,789 197,452 Note: (a) The amount of payables disclosed here excludes statutory payables (i.e. fringe benefits tax).
(c) Credit risk Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the Institute, which comprise cash and cash equivalents and receivables. The Institute’s exposure to credit risk arises from the potential default of counter party on their contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Institute. Credit risk is measured at fair value and is monitored on a regular basis. Credit risk associated with the Institute’s financial assets is minimal. Credit risk associated with the Institute’s financial assets is minimal because the main debtor is the Victorian Government. For debtors other than Government, it is the Institute’s policy to only deal with entities with high credit rating.
70 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 16. Financial instruments (CONTINUED) (c)Credit risk continued Provision of impairment for financial assets is calculated based on past experience, and current and expected changes in client credit ratings. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial report, net of any allowances for losses, represents the Institute’s maximum exposure to credit risk without taking account of the value of any collateral obtained. Financial assets that are either past due or impaired Currently the Institute does not hold any collateral as security nor credit enhancements relating to any of its financial assets. As at the reporting date, there is no event to indicate that any of the financial assets were impaired. There are no financial assets that have had their terms renegotiated so as to prevent them from being past due or impaired, and they are stated at the carrying amount as indicated. The following table discloses the ageing only of financial assets that are past due but not impaired.
Table 16.2. Interest rate exposure of financial assets Interest rate exposure Weighted Not past average Carrying Fixed interest Variable Non-interest due and not effective amount rate interest rate bearing impaired interest rate % $ $ $ $ $ 2008 Receivables - 3,898,681 - - 3,898,681 3,898,681 3,898,681 - - 3,898,681 3,898,681
2007 Receivables - 2,052,891 - - 2,052,891 2,052,891 2,052,891 - - 2,052,891 2,052,891
(d) Liquidity risk Liquidity risk arises when the Institute is unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Institute operates under the Government fair payments policy of settling financial obligations within 30 days and in the event of a dispute, make payments within 30 days from the date of resolution. The Institute’s exposure to liquidity risk is deemed insignificant based on prior periods’ data and current assessment of risk. Maximum exposure to liquidity risk is the carrying amounts of financial liabilities. The following table discloses the contractual analysis for the Institute’s financial liabilities.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 71 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 16. Financial instruments (CONTINUED) Table 16.3. Interest rate exposure and maturity analysis of financial liabilities
Interest rate exposure Maturity dates (a) Weighted average Carrying Fixed Variable Non-interest Nominal Less than 1 1 to 3 3 months to 1 to 5 years effective amount interest rate interest rate bearing Amount month months 1 year interest rate % $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2008 Payables 917,947 - - 917,947 917,947 893,944 8,022 15,981 - Interest bearing 6.94% 234,789 234,789 - - 254,187 60,613 8,936 40,211 144,427 liabilities 1,152,736 234,789 - 917,947 1,172,134 954,557 16,958 56,192 144,427
2007 Payables 522,514 - - 522,514 522,514 522,514 - - - Interest bearing 6.62% 197,452 197,452 - - 211,949 5,269 37,415 113,414 55,851 liabilities 719,966 197,452 - 522,514 734,463 527,783 37,415 113,414 55,851 Note: (a) The amounts disclosed are the contractual undiscounted cash flows of each class of financial liabilities.
(e) Market risk The Institute’s exposure to market risk is deemed insignificant based on prior periods’ data and current assessment of risk. (f) Fair value The Institute considers that the carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial report to be a fair approximation of their fair values, because of the short-term nature of the financial instruments and the expectation that they will be paid in full.
72 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 17. Cash flow information (a) Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents
2008 2007 $ $ Total cash and cash equivalents disclosed in the Balance sheet (a) 1,937,051 1,840,779
Balance as per Cash flow statement 1,937,051 1,840,779 Note: (a) Due to the State of Victoria’s investment policy and government funding arrangements, government departments and agencies generally do not hold a large cash reserve in their bank accounts. Cash received by a department and agencies from the generation of revenue is generally paid into the State’s bank account, known as the Public Account. Similarly, any departmental or agency expenditure, including those in the form of cheques drawn by the Institute for the payment of goods and services to its suppliers and creditors are made via the Public Account. The process is such that, the Public Account would remit cash required for the amount drawn on the cheques. This remittance by the Public Account occurs upon the presentation of the cheques by the Institute’s suppliers or creditors.
(b) Reconciliation of net result for the period to net cash flows from operating activities
2008 2007 $ $ Net result for the period (1,311,580) (171,495)
Non-cash movements Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets 699,818 790,006 Allowance for doubtful debts 977 22,508
Movements in assets and liabilities (Increase)/decrease in current receivables (1,849,636) 174,756 (Increase)/decrease in current inventories 9,983 - (Decrease)/increase in current payables 397,323 (69,959) (Decrease)/increase in non-current provisions 516,590 120,851 (Decrease)/increase in other current liabilities 170,951 65,000 (Increase)/decrease in non-current receivables 2,845 - (Decrease)/increase in non-current provisions (2,846) 17,868
Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities (1,365,575) 949,535
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 73 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 18. Movements in equity 2008 2007 $ $ (a) Contributions by owners Balance at beginning of financial year 7,342,949 7,342,949 Capital transactions with the Department of Justice 1,704,504 - Balance at end of financial year 9,047,453 7,342,949
(b) Accumulated surplus/(deficit) Balance at beginning of financial year (557,020) (158,597) Adjustments on change in accounting policy - (226,928) Net result for the period (1,311,580) (171,495) Balance at end of financial year (1,868,600) (557,020)
Total equity at end of financial year 7,178,853 6,785,929
Note 19. Ex-gratia payments 2008 2007 $ $ The Institute has made the following ex-gratia payments: Ex-gratia payments 5,000 5,000 This ex-gratia payment was made to a member of the Institute’s Ethics committee.
74 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 20. Responsible PersoNS In accordance with the Ministerial Directions issued by the Minister for Finance under the Financial Management Act 1994, the following disclosures are made regarding responsible persons for the reporting period.
Names The persons who held positions in the Institute are as follows: Attorney-General The Hon. Rob Hulls, MP 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 Acting Attorney-General The Hon. John Lenders, MLC 1 July 2007 to 8 July 2007 The Hon. Bob Cameron, MP 16 January 2008 to 28 January 2008 The Hon. Bob Cameron, MP 21 February 2008 to 26 February 2008 The Hon. Bob Cameron, MP 29 March 2008 to 6 April 2008
Council Members of the Institute Chairperson of the Victorian Institute of The Hon. the Chief Justice 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 Forensic Medicine and Nominee of the Marilyn Warren Attorney-General Director of the Victorian Institute of Prof. Stephen Cordner 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 Forensic Medicine Nominee of the Attorney-General Prof. Robert Conyers 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 Nominee of the Chief Mr Simon Overland 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 Commissioner of Police Nominee of the Chief Justice Judge Meryl Sexton 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 Nominee of the Council of Prof. Steven Wesselingh 21 September 2007 to 30 June 2008 Monash University Nominee of the Minister for Health Mr Peter Allen 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 Nominee of the Minister for Women Ms Felicity Broughton 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 Nominee of the Minister of Vacant Community Services Nominee of the Minister of Police Mr Neil Robertson 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 Nominee of the University of Melbourne Prof. James Angus 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 State Coroner Judge Jennifer Coate 29 November 2007 to 30 June 2008 State Coroner Mr Graeme Johnstone 1 July 2007 to 28 November 2007
Remuneration Remuneration received or receivable by the Accountable Officer in connection with the management of the Institute during the reporting period was in the range: $280,000 to $290,000 ($270,000 to $280,000 in 2006/07). Amounts relating to Ministers are reported in the financial report of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 75 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 20. Responsible Persons (CONTINUED) Related party transactions Prof. Stephen Cordner who is Director of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (the Institute) is employed by Monash University. During the financial year, the Institute and Monash University conducted business transactions at arms length and at normal commercial terms. Other transactions Other related transactions and loans requiring disclosure under the Directions of the Minister for Finance have been considered and there are no matters to report.
Note 21. Remuneration of executivES The number of executive officers, other than Ministers and Accountable Officers, and their total remuneration during the reporting period are shown in the first two columns in the table below in their relevant income bands. The base remuneration of executive officers is shown in the third and fourth columns. Base remuneration is exclusive of bonus payments, long-service leave payments, redundancy payments and retirement benefits.
Income Band Total Remuneration Base Remuneration
2008 2007 2008 2007 No. No. No. No. $120,000 to $129,999 - - - - $130,000 to $139,999 1 1 1 2 $140,000 to $149,999 - - - - $150,000 to $159,999 - 1 1 - $160,000 to $169,999 - - - - $170,000 to $179,999 1 - - - $180,000 to $189,999 - - - - $190,000 to $199,000 - - - - $210,000 to $219,999 - - - - Total numbers 2 2 2 2 Total amount $315,451 $296,258 $296,851 $277,194 Note: Previous annual reports have included Associate Prof. David Ranson as an Executive officer. He is a Senior Forensic Pathologist employed under an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. The Accountable officer is not included in the figures above as this is a Monash University position.
76 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Financial year ended 30 June 2008
Note 22. Remuneration of auditors 2008 2007 $ $ Victorian Auditor General’s Office 27,824 9,500 Audit of the financial report 27,824 9,500
Note 23. Subsequent evENTS There were no subsequent events as at balance date which are required to be brought to account or disclosed.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 77 Accountable officer’s and chief finance and accounting officer’s declaration
Accountable Officer’s declaration We certify that the attached financial report for the Department has been prepared in accordance with Standing Direction 4.2 of the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian accounting standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements. We further state that, in our opinion, the information set out in the Operating Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Cash Flow Statement and notes forming part of the financial report, presents fairly the financial transactions during the year ended 30 June 2008 and financial position of the Department at 30 June 2008. We are not aware of any circumstance which would render any particulars included in the financial report to be misleading or inaccurate. We authorise the attached financial report for issue on 11 September 2008.
Professor Stephen Cordner Mari-Ann Scott Director, Head, Corporate Services and Development Victorian Instutute of Forensic Medicine. Victorian Instutute of Forensic Medicine.
Melbourne. Melbourne. 11 September 2008 11 September 2008
78 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report DISCLOSURE INDEX
The Annual report of the Institute is prepared in accordance with all relevant Victorian legislation. This index has been prepared to facilitate identification of the Institute’s compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.
Legislation Requirement Ministerial Directions Report of Operations - FRD Guidance Charter and purpose FRD 22B Manner of establishment and the relevant Ministers FRD 22B Objectives, functions, powers and duties FRD 22B Nature and range of services provided Management and structure FRD 22B Organisational structure Financial and other information FRD 8A Budget portfolio outcomes FRD 10 Disclosure index FRD 12A Disclosure of major contracts FRD 15B Executive officer disclosures FRD 22B Operational and budgetary objectives and performance against objectives FRD 22B Employment and conduct principles FRD 22B Occupational health and safety policy FRD 22B Summary of the financial results for the year FRD 22B Significant changes in financial position during the year FRD 22B Major changes or factors affecting performance FRD 22B Subsequent events FRD 22B Application and operation of Freedom of Information Act 1982 FRD 22B Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of Building Act 1993 FRD 22B Statement on National Competition Policy FRD 22B Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 FRD 22B Details of consultancies over $100,000 FRD 22B Details of consultancies under $100,000 FRD 22B Statement of availability of other information FRD 24B Reporting of office-based environmental impacts FRD 25 Victorian Industry Participation Policy disclosures FRD 29 Workforce data disclosures
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 79 DISCLOSURE INDEX
Financial report Financial statements required under Part 7 of the FMA SD 4.2(a) Statement of changes in equity SD 4.2(b) Operating statement SD 4.2(b) Balance sheet SD 4.2(b) Cash flow statement
Other requirements under Standing Directions 4.2 SD 4.2(c) Compliance with Australian accounting standards and other authoritative pronouncements SD 4.2(c) Compliance with Ministerial Directions SD 4.2(c) Accountable officer’s declaration SD 4.2(d) Rounding of amounts SD 4.2(f) Compliance with Model Financial Report
Other disclosures as required by FRD’s in notes to the financial statements FRD 9A Departmental disclosure of administered assets and liabilities FRD 11 Disclosure of ex-gratia payments FRD 13 Disclosure of parliamentary appropriations FRD 21A Responsible person and executive officer disclosures
Legislation Freedom of Information Act 1982 Building Act 1983 Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 Victorian Industry Participation Policy Act 2003 Financial Management Act 1994 Multicultural Victoria Act 2004
80 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 81 82 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report APPENDIX A PUBLICATIONS
Blau, S, Hill, A. (2008) Disaster victim Ibrahim, JE, Jeffcott, S. (2008) detector computed tomography in the identification training: contributions from Meeting of the minds: successful risk detection of post mortem metacarpal the VIFM. VIFM Review 6: 14-15 management requires the left brain to index. Forensic Science International meet with the right brain. Australian 177: 192-198. Blau, S. (2008) The powerful evidence Health Law Bulletin 16(8): 131-134 of the bodies: ethical considerations for Robertson, S. (2008) Aviation the forensic anthropologist involved in Lynch, MJ, Woods, J, George, N, medicine. VIFM Review 6: 8-9 the investigation of mass graves. VIFM Gerostomoulos, D. (2008) Fatality Rotman, A, Hamilton, K, O’Donnell, Review 6: 2-7 due to amisulpride toxicity: a case C. (2007) “Lytic” lesions in autologous report. Medicine, Science and the Law Blau, S, Robertson, SD, Johnstone, bone grafts: demonstration of medullary 48: 173-177 M. (2008) Disaster victim identification: air pockets on post mortem computed new applications for postmortem Lynch, MJ, Black, M. (2008) A tale tomography. Forensic Science, computed tomography. Journal of of two cities; review of homicide in Medicine & Pathology 3: 270-274 Forensic Sciences 53: 956-961. Melbourne and Glasgow in 2005. Medicine, Science and the Law 48: Byard, RW, Woodford, NWF. (2008) Books, Book Chapters 24-30 Automobile door entrapment- A different Blau, S (2007) A diachronic form of vehicle-related crush asphyxia. McDermott, FT, Cordner, SM, investigation of dental health and Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine Cooper, DJ, Winship, V. (2007). subsistence change: A case study from 15: 339-342 Management deficiencies and death the United Arab Emirates. In: Cohen, preventability of road traffic fatalities Charles, AJ, Ranson, DL, Bohensky, M, Kramer, G.C. eds. Ancient Health: before and after a new trauma care MA, Ibrahim, JE. (2007) Under- Skeletal Indicators of Agricultural and system in Victoria. Journal of Trauma, reporting of deaths to the coroner by Economic Intensification. Gainsville Fla. Injury, Infection and Critical Care 63: doctors: a retrospective review of deaths University of Florida Press. 190-206. 331-338 in two hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. De By, T, Fernandez, C, Navarro, International Journal for Quality in Health Odell, M. (2007) Medico-legal issues A, Poniatowski, S, Trias, E. (2007). Care 19: 232-236 and driver licensing. Journal of Law and Guide for auditing tissue establishments. Medicine 15: 198-200 Ch’ng, CW, Fitzgerald, M, European Quality System for Tissue Gerostamoulos, D, Cameron, PA, Bui, Odell, M. (2008) Taking diabetes on Banking (EQSTB). (DG Sanco Project D, Drummer, OH, Potter, J, Odell, the road. Conquest Winter: 16-17 – European Commission). Barcelona. M. (2007). Drug use in motor vehicle O’Donnell, C, Rotman, A, Collett, S, Dodd, M, Lancet, D. (2008) drivers presenting to an Australian, Woodford, NWF. (2007). Current Anatomical and medical terminology for adult major trauma centre. Emergency status of routine post-mortem CT in the court interpreter: English/Solomon Medicine Australasia 19: 359-365 Melbourne, Australia. Forensic Science, Islands. Pat blo bodi wetem medical an Drummer, OH, Gerostamoulos, D, Medicine and Pathology 3: 226-232 ligol tok tok for kot interpreter: Enlis/Pijin Chu, M, Swann, P, Boorman, MC, blo Solomon. Perera, CP, Briggs, CA (2008) Cairns, I. (2007). Drugs in oral fluid Guidelines for the effective conduct of Drummer, OH. (2008) Postmortem in randomly selected drivers. Forensic mass burials following mass disasters. toxicological redistribution. In: Rutty, Science International 170: 105-110 Forensic Science, Medicine & Pathology GN, ed. Essentials of autopsy practice: Drummer, OH. (2008) Introduction 4 (1):1-8. topical developments, trends and and review of collection techniques and advances. Volume 4. London, Springer Ponsford, JL, Myles, PS, Cooper, DJ, applications of drug testing of oral fluid. Verlag. McDermott, FT, Murray, LJ, Laidlaw, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring 2008; 30: JD, Cooper, G, Tremayne, AB, Bernard, Herson, MR, Kamamoto, F, Ferriera, 203-206 SA. (2008) Gender differences in MC. (2008) Cicatrizacao de Feridas Drummer, OH. (2008). The role outcome in patients with hypotension (Wound healing). In: Rodrigues, JJG, of drugs in road safety. Australian and severe traumatic brain injury. Injury Mchado, MCC, Rasslam, S.eds. Prescriber 31: 33-35 39: 67-76 Clinica Cirurgica. Editore Manole. Drummer, OH. (2005) On-site drug Ranson, DL. (2007) Telemedicine and Marasco, S, Ibrahim, JE. (2007) Is testing. Bulletin on Narcotics 57(1/2): the law. Journal of Law and Medicine the reporting of individual surgeon’s 205-211 15: 356-359 clinical performance doing more harm than good for patient health care? A Grotenhermen, F, Leson, G, Berghaus, Ranson, DL (2007) Legal medicine Surgeon’s viewpoint. In: Clarke, S, G, Drummer, OH, Kruger, H-P, Longo, and the medical establishment. Journal Oakley, J. eds. Informed Consent and M, Moskowitz, H, Perrine, B, Ramaekers, of Law and Medicine 15: 19-22 Clinician Accountability: The Ethics of J, Smiley, A, Tunbridge, R.(2007) Reid, A, Schneider-Kolsky, ME, Report Cards on Surgeon Peformance. Developing limits for driving under O’Donnell, C. (2008) Comparison Cambridge, Cambridge University cannabis. Addiction 10: 1910-1917 of computed radiography and multi- Press.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 83 APPENDIX A PUBLICATIONS
Poniatowski, S and 26 others. (2007) Drummer, OH. Drugs in bone and Lynch, MJ, Woodford, NW, Dodd, Guide of recommendations for tissue bone marrow. In: Jenkins, DAJ. ed. MJ. Sudden death due to aortic rupture banking. European Quality System for Drugs of Abuse Testing: Methods in complicating undiagnosed coarctation Tissue Banking. (EQSTB). (DG Sanco Alternative Biological Specimens. New of the aorta in a teenager – a case Project – European Commission). Jersey, Humana Press. report and review of the literature. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. Drummer, OH. Drug classes: (Online early – published 9 July 2008) In Press benzodiazepines. Encyclopedia of Beyer, J. Poisonous plants and fungi. Forensic Sciences. Academic Press O’Donnell, C, Woodford, N. Post- mortem radiology- A new subspecialty. Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. Drummer, OH, Beyer, J, Clinical Radiology. Academic Press. Gerostamoulos, D. Drug classes: Blau, S. More than just bare bones: amphetamines. Encyclopedia of Pilgrim, JL, Gerostamoulos, ethical considerations for forensic Forensic Sciences. Academic Press. D, Drummer, OH. Involvement of amphetamines in sudden and anthropologists. In: Blau, S, Ubelaker, Drummer, OH. Analytical methods in unexpected death. Journal of Forensic D. eds. Handbook of Forensic forensic toxicology: confirmation testing. Sciences. Archaeology and Anthropology. Left Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. Coast Press. Academic Press Special Investigations Unit. Special investigations unit expands. Justice Blau, S. (2008) Review of The scientific Drummer, OH. Specialist application: Review investigation of mass graves: towards behavioral toxicology. Encyclopedia of protocols and standard operating Forensic Sciences. Academic Press. Ubelaker, D, Blau, S. Global procedures. Cox, M, Flavel, A, Hanson, perspective on issues in forensic Drummer, OH, Gerostamoulos, D. I, Laver, J, Wessling, R. Journal of anthropology. In: Blau, S, Ubelaker, Postmortem toxicology: interpretation. Archaeological Science. (Online early D. eds. Handbook of Forensic Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. published 25 April, 2008) Anthropology and Archaeology. Left Academic Press. Blau, S, Archer, M, Briggs, C, Coast Press. Drummer, OH. Road safety effects of Clement, JG, Hill, A. The Centre for Warwick, RM, Rushambuza, prescription drugs in the older driver. Human Identification. GovLink. Victoria FG, Brown, J, Patel, R, Tabb, S, In: Odell, M. ed. Older Road Users- and Tasmania Local Government and Poniatowski, S, Ranson, AJ, Brown, Myths and Realities. Lawyers & Judges Infrastructure Review. CJ. Confirmation of cadaveric blood Publishing Blau, S, Ubelaker, D. Introduction. In: sample identity by DNA profiling using Blau, S, Ubelaker, D. eds. Handbook Gerostamoulos, D. Drug classes: Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis. of Forensic Anthropology and opioids. Encyclopedia of Forensic Cell and Tissue Banking. Online early Archaeology. Left Coast Press. Sciences. Academic Press. – Published May 16, 2008. Blau, S, Ubelaker, D eds. Handbook Gerostamoulos, D, Lynch, MJ, Wells, D. Genito-anal pathology. In: of Forensic Anthropology and Drummer, OH. Abstract: A death Polson, CJ. The Essentials of Forensic Archaeology. Left Coast Press. involving butane? The Society of Medicine. 5th edition. Hodder Arnold. Forensic Toxicologists - Tox talk (quarterly Bollmann, MD, Woodford, NW. publication). Comment on “A microbiological test for Submitted the diagnosis of death by drowning” Herson, MR, Mathor, MB, Pedraza, Bassed, R. Identification of unknown by A. Lucci and A. Cirnelli. Forensic JM. The impact of the International remains using a modification of the Science International (Online early – 20 Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) program Johansen/Bowers technique developed June, 2008) on radiation and tissue banking in for bitemark analysis. Submitted to Brazil. Cell and Tissue Banking (Online Journal of Forensic Sciences. Briggs, CA, Buck, AM. The role of early – Published 10 July, 2008) the anthropologist in disaster victim Beyer, J, Drummer, OH, Maurer, H. identification. Bali incidents 2002 and Lynch, MJ, Woodford, NW. Fatality Herbal Drugs of Abuse. Herbal Drugs 2004. In: Blau, S, Ubelaker D. eds. complicating agranulocytosis in the (Ethnomedicine to modern medicine). Handbook of Forensic Anthropology setting of carbimazole therapy. Forensic Beyer, J, Drummer, OH, Maurer, and Archaeology. Left Coast Press. Science, Medicine and Pathology. (Online early – Published 14 May, HH. Analysis of toxic alkaloids in body Dodd, MJ, Archer, MS. Medicolegal 2008) samples. Submitted to Molecules investigation of atrocities committed Blau, S. The powerful evidence of during the Solomon Islands ‘Ethnic Lynch, MJ, Woodford, NW. Rupture the bodies: ethical considerations for tensions’. In: Blau, S, Ubelaker, D. eds. of splenic artery aneurysm during the forensic anthropologist involved Handbook of Forensic Anthropology pregnancy with maternal and foetal in the investigation of mass graves. and Archaeology. Left Coast Press death: a case report. Medicine, Science and the Law. Indian Journal of Physical Anthropology and Human Genetics
84 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report APPENDIX A APPENDIX B PUBLICATIONS CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS
Drummer, OH. Epidemiology and Bedford, P. (2008) Anaesthetic Bohensky, M, Oxley, J, Odell, M, traffic safety: Culpability studies. In: anaphylaxis - role of tryptase. The Royal Charlton, J, Williams, A, Fildes, B. Joris, DSPP, Verster, C, Ramaekers, College of Pathologists of Australasia. (2007) Drivers with visual field loss in JG, De Gier, JJ. Eds. Drugs, driving Pathology Update 2008, 14-16 Mar one Australian licensing jurisdiction. and traffic safety. Birkhauser Verlag, Australasian Road Safety Research, Bedford, P. (2008) (Poster) Switzerland. Policing and Education Conference, Mesothelioma - time from diagnosis to Melbourne, 16-17 Oct. Drummer, OH. Forensic pharmacology death. The Royal College of Pathologists and toxicology. Submitted to Freckelton, of Australasia. Pathology Update 2008, Bugeja, L, Thorne, B, Davies, Z, I, Selby H. Expert Evidence. Sydney, 14-16 Mar. O’Brien, A, Young, C, Charles, A, Thomson, Law Book Co. Ranson, DL, Ibrahim, JE. (2007) Bedford, P. (2008) Sudden death at (Abstract) (presented by S. Blau). The Drummer, OH, Karch, S. Interpretation�������������� home in diabetics. The Royal College role of a specialist investigations unit in of toxicological data. Submitted to of Pathologists of Australasia. Pathology death and injury prevention. 9th Indo- Clarke‘s Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, Update 2008, 14-16 Mar. Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine 4th Edition. Bedford, P, Woodford, NW. (2008) and Forensic Sciences of the Indo- Ehsani, JP, Ibrahim, JE. Defining (Poster) Spontaneous coronary artery Pacific Association of Law, Medicine novice workers. Submitted to Journal dissection at post mortem. The Royal and Science,(INPALMS) Colombo, Sri of Occupational Health and Safety: College of Pathologists of Australasia. Lanka, 22-27 Jul. Australia and New Zealand Pathology Update 2008. 14-16 Mar. Bugeja, L, Symmons, MA, Brodie, George, KA, Archer, MS, Green, Beyer, J, Saar, E, Gerostamoulos, D, L, Osborne, N, Ibrahim, JE. (2007) LM, Toop, T. Effect of morphine on Drummer, OH. (2008) Comparison (Abstract) Development of a specialist the growth rate of Calliphora stygia of extraction recovery and LC-MS investigation standard for heavy vehicle (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) matrix effects of 20 antipsychotics using fatal collisions in Victoria. Australasian and possible implications for forensic liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction Road Safety Research Policing entomology. Submitted to International methods. The International Association and Education Conference 2007, Journal of Legal Medicine. of Forensic Toxicologists 46th Scientific Southbank, Victoria. 17-19 Oct. Meeting/French Society of Analytical Killian, JJ, Ozanne-Smith, J, Bugeja, L, Ozanne-Smith, J, Toxicologists Meeting (SFTA), La Drummer, OH. The contribution of Corcoran, P, Johnstone, G. (2008) Martinique, France, 2-8 Jun. alcohol to external cause deaths in (Poster) Development of legislation Victoria, Australia. Submitted to Drug & Beyer, J, Saar, E, Patterson, B, to mandate the wearing of personal Alcohol Review. Grigg, M, Gerostamoulos, D, flotation devices (PFDS) on recreational Drummer, OH. (2008) Comparison vessels in Victoria. 9th World Roberts, L, Taylor, A, Waite, R, of atmospheric pressure chemical Conference on Injury Prevention and Lewis SW, Sanders, T, Archer, MS. ionization (APCI) and electrospray Safety Promotion, Merida, Mexico, 15- Determination of volatile fatty acids ionization (ESI) for drugs relevant to 18 Mar. in soil solution using capillary gas forensic toxicology. The International chromatography with flame ionisation Burke, MP. (2008) Decompositional Association of Forensic Toxicologists detection for chemical estimation of time artifacts - Murder most foul or just 46th Scientific Meeting/French Society since death. Submitted to Journal of a blemish? The Royal College of of Analytical Toxicologists Meeting Forensic Sciences. Pathologists of Australasia. Pathology (SFTA), La Martinique, France, 2-8 Jun. Update 2008, 14-16 Mar. West, E, Cameron, P, O’Reilly, Beyer, J, Staikos, V, Gerostamoulos, G, Drummer, OH, Bystrzycki, A. Cordner, SM, Blau, S, Perera, C. D, Drummer, OH. (2008) Extraction Accuracy of current clinical diagnosis in (2007) Workshop on forensic aspects of drugs of abuse from hair. Can we recreational drug related attendance to of the missing in post conflict and post determine realistic extraction recovery? the emergency department. Submitted to disaster scenarios: local, regional and The International Association of Forensic Emergency Medicine Australasia. global perspectives. 9th Indo-Pacific Toxicologists 46th Scientific Meeting/ Congress on Legal Medicine and French Society of Analytical Toxicologists Forensic Sciences of the Indo-Pacific Meeting (SFTA), La Martinique, France, Association of Law, Medicine and 2-8 Jun. Science (INPALMS) Colombo, Sri Blau, S. (2007) Perspectives from East Lanka, 22-27 Jul. Timor: An outsider’s view. 9th Indo- Drummer, OH, Gerostamoulos, D, Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine Crump, K, Wort, C, Chu, M. (2007) and Forensic Sciences of the Indo-Pacific Roadside detection of drugs in drivers. Association of Law, Medicine and Joint meeting of The International Science,(INPALMS) Colombo, Sri Lanka, Association of Forensic Toxicologists 22-27 Jul. (TIAFT) and the International Council
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 85 APPENDIX B CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS
on Alcohol, Drugs & Traffic Safety (2008) Use of LC-MS/MS screening for International Association of Forensic (ICADTS), Seattle, Washington State, hair analysis: application to detection Toxicologists (TIAFT) and the International 26-30 Aug. of methadone in hair. The International Council of Alcohol, Drugs & Traffic Association of Forensic Toxicologists Safety (ICADTS). Seattle, Washington Drummer, OH. (2007) (Abstract) 46th Scientific Meeting/French Society State, 26-30 Aug. Drug detection in oral fluid: the of Analytical Toxicologists Meeting development of a standard in Australia. Killian, J, Drummer, OH, Ozanne- (SFTA), La Martinique, France, 2-8 Jun. 10th International Congress of the Smith, J. (2007) Understanding forensic International Association of Therapeutic Forteath, J. (2007) Promoting tissue toxicology in relation to external-cause Drug Monitoring & Clinical Toxicology donation in emergency departments - A deaths. Joint meeting of The International (IATDMCT), Nice, France. 9-14 Sept. future challenge. College of Emergency Association of Forensic Toxicologists Nursing Australasia. Conference, (TIAFT) and the International Council Drummer, OH. (2007) (Abstract) Melbourne, 11 Oct. of Alcohol, Drugs & Traffic Safety Forensic toxicology of methadone: (ICADTS). Seattle, Washington State, an Australian perspective. 10th Gerostamoulos, D, Drummer, OH, 26-30 Aug. International Congress of the Burke, MP, Lynch, MJ, Byrne, P. International Association of Therapeutic (2007) (Abstract) Dyadic death - an Klingbeil, MFG, Cristo, EB, Yoshito, Drug Monitoring & Clinical Toxicology unusual family tragedy. Joint meeting of D, Herson, MR, Mathor, MB. (2008) (IATDMCT), Nice, France. 9-14 Sept. The International Association of Forensic (Poster). The comparison of two methods Toxicologists (TIAFT) and the International to obtain human oral keratinocytes in Drummer, OH. (2007) Introduction Council on Alcohol, Drugs & Traffic primary culture. 5th World Congress on and review of collection techniques Safety (ICADTS), Seattle, Washington Tissue Banking, Kuala Lumpur, 2-6, Jun. and applications of drug testing in oral State, 26-30 Aug. fluid. 10th International Congress of the Kosmikas, LOC, Pino, ES, Herson, MR, International Association of Therapeutic Gerostamoulos, D, Saar, E, Beyer, Mathor, MB. (2008) (Poster). Best Poster Drug Monitoring & Clinical Toxicology J, Drummer, OH.(2008) Toxicology Award. Mechanical analysis of bone (IATDMCT), Nice, France. 9-14 Sept. of the new antipsychotics. The Royal struts sterilized by gamma radiation to College of Pathologists of Australasia, use in tissue banks. 5th World Congress Drummer, OH. (2007) Toxicokinetics: Pathology Update 2008, 14-16 Mar. on Tissue Banking, Kuala Lumpur, 2-6 Just theory or a necessity in toxicology Jun. (Workshop). 10th International Hill, A, Blau, S. (2007) (Poster) The Congress of the International Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine/ Mogford, M. (2007).The use of Association of Therapeutic Drug Centre of Human Identification multi-slice computed tomography (CT) Monitoring & Clinical Toxicology contributions to disaster victim scanning to improve the screening (IATDMCT), Nice, France. 9-14 Sept. identification: a 20 year perspective. process of post mortem tissue. 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Australian Transplant Co-ordinators Drummer, OH. (2007) Roadside drug Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Association and Transplant Nurse testing. Joint Meeting of the Southeast the Indo-Pacific Association of Law, Association Conference, Melbourne, Asian Western Pacific Regional Medicine and Science,(INPALMS) 15 Nov. Federation of Pharmacologists (SEAWP) Colombo, Sri Lanka, 22-27 Jul. and the Australasian Society of Clinical O’Brien, P. (2007) Role of the VIFM & Experimental Pharmacologists & Ibrahim, JE, Bugeja, L, Brodie, L. in upgrading forensic services in the Toxicologists (ASCEPT). Adelaide, 3-6 (2008) Specialist investigation of work- Asia Pacific region. 9th Indo-Pacific Dec. related fatal injury in a coronial setting: Congress on Legal Medicine and A public health prevention model. 9th Forensic Sciences of the Indo-Pacific Drummer, OH. (2008) Best practice World Conference on Injury Prevention Association of Law, Medicine and forensic toxicology. TIAFT Board and Safety Promotion, Merida, Mexico, Science,(INPALMS) Colombo, Sri Lanka, Meeting, Beijing, China. 6-8 Mar. 15-18 Mar. 22-27 Jul. Drummer, OH, Patterson, B, Grigg, Ibrahim, JE, O’Brien, A, Young, O’Connell, J. (2007) Forensic nursing. M, Gerostamoulos, D, Beyer, J. C, Charles, A, Thorne, B, Davies, Forensic and Medical Sexual Assault (2008) Comparison of quantitative Z, Ranson, D. (2007) A systematic Clinicians Australia (FAMSACA) and qualitative drug screening approach to the investigation of patient Conference, Melbourne, 8-9 Sept. approaches to forensic toxicology deaths in hospital. (Presented by S. samples: applications for blood Odell, MS. (2007) Multiple sclerosis Blau) 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on analyses. The International Association and driving. 7th International Brain Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Forensic Toxicologists 46th Scientific Research Organization (IBRO) World of the Indo-Pacific Association of Law, Meeting/French Society of Analytical Congress of Neuroscience, Melbourne, Medicine and Science, (INPALMS), Toxicologists Meeting (SFTA), La 12-17 Jul. Colombo, Sri Lanka, 22-27 Jul. Martinique, France, 2-8 Jun. O’Donnell, C. (2007) Advances Killian, JJ. (2007) (PPT) Understanding Drummer, OH, Beyer, J, Staikos, in forensic medicine – the use of CT the prevalence of drugs and alcohol in V, Kotsos, A, Gerostamoulos, D. scanners on the deceased. Forensic unnatural death. Joint Meeting of The
86 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report APPENDIX B APPENDIX C CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS PRESENTATIONS
and Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Wells, D. (2007) Medical reports Melanie Archer Australia (FAMSACA) Conference, and where they go wrong. Forensic Forensic entomology. Graduate Melbourne, 8-9 Sept. and Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Diploma in Forensic Medicine, Monash Australia (FAMSACA) Conference, Parker, H. (2007). (Workshop) University. Sep 07 Melbourne, 8-9 Sept. Decisions to prosecute. Forensic and Forensic entomology: Lecture presented Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Wells, D. (2007) The expert witness. to Crime Training, VicPol. Jan 08. Australia (FAMSACA) Conference, Answering commonly asked questions Melbourne, 8-9 Sept. in court. Forensic and Medical Sexual Forensic entomology: Lecture presented Assault Clinicians Australia (FAMSACA) to Crime Training, VicPol. April 08. Parsons, S. (2008) Obesity: an Conference, Melbourne, 8-9 Sept. increasing problem in forensic practice. Forensic entomology. Law, Monash The Royal College of Pathologists Wells, D. (2007). Research issues University. May 08 of Australasia. Pathology Update in sexual assault. World Health Girl’s own adventure (unconventional 2008,14-16 Mar. Organization. Sexual Violence Research career paths). MacRobertson Girls’ High Pricone, MG, Gerostamoulos, Initiative. Workshop. New Delhi, India, School. Jun 08. D, Burke, MP, Drummer, OH. 24-27 Sept. Soren Blau (2007) (Abstract) An unusual death Williams, A. (2007) (Workshop) involving the use of GHB and MDMA. How to form an opinion. Forensic and A career as a forensic anthropologist. 10th International Congress of the Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Careers Day, VIFM. Jul 07 & Oct. 07. International Association of Therapeutic Australia (FAMSACA) Conference, Forensic Anthropology. Lecture to Drug Monitoring & Clinical Toxicology Melbourne, 8-9 Sept. Elements of Forensic Medicine students, (IATDMCT),Nice, France. 9-14 Sept. Monash University. Sept 07. Sidhu, J. (2007) Tissue donation in a Forensic Anthropology in Australia: coronial environment - providing a gift of Contributions, Research Innovations and life. Australian College of Critical care Education. Lecture VIFM Oct 07. Nurses Symposium, Melbourne, 31 Aug. Forensic anthropology: An overview. Lecture. Crime Training, VicPol. Jan 08. Sidhu, J. (2007) Tissue and organ donation – providing a gift of life. Forensic anthropology and Human AUSMED Nursing Surgical Symposium. Identification Services, State Coroners Melbourne, 22 Nov. Office, Apr 08. Sungaila, AM, Parekh, V. (2007) Forensic anthropology: An overview. (Workshop) Work-shopping the idea Lecture. Crime Training, VicPol. April 08. of an excellent service. Forensic and Forensic Anthropology: A brief overview Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians and its relevance to Arson investigation. Australia (FAMSACA) Conference, Arson Investigation Course. Jun������� 08. Melbourne, 8-9 Sept. Chris Briggs Wells, D. (2007) Sexual assault Forensic anthropology. Lecture to school medicine – some harmful professional students. May 08 practices. 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences Donor Tissue Bank of the Indo-Pacific Association of Law, Presentations – Professional Medicine and Science,(INPALMS) awareness Colombo, Sri Lanka, 22-27 Jul. Mercy Private Hospital – Study Evening, Wells, D. (2007) Challenges in the Regional Nurses Study Day assessment of child sexual abuse. Royal Melbourne Hospital, Emergency 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Services Medicine and Forensic Sciences of the Indo-Pacific Association of Law, Knox Hospital In-Service Medicine and Science, (INPALMS) The Avenue Hospital. (Theatre and Colombo, Sri Lanka, 22-27 Jul. Orthopaedic Surgery Ward) Wells, D, Parker, H. (2007) The Western General Health Care (Theatre expert witness. Forensic and Medical Nurses) Sexual Assault Clinicians Australia (FAMSACA) Conference, Melbourne, The Alfred Hospital (Peri-operative 8-9 Sept. nurses)
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 87 APPENDIX C PRESENTATIONS
Monash Medical centre (ICU nurses) Morris Odell Investigation, Australasian Society of Aerospace Medicine Meeting, Northern Hospital (Emergency Ward Fitness to drive. Rural and Remote Busselton, WA, Aug 07. nurses) Registrars, Jul 07 Classification of Injuries. Postgraduate Clinical Liaison Service (Nurses) Sexual assault and Forensic Medicine. Monash Medical students. Aug 07 Diploma of Forensic Science, Murdoch Life Gift (Transplant Co-ordinators) University, Sep 07. Epilepsy and Driving. Grand Rounds, Ambulance Victoria. RMH Medical staff. Aug 07 Sudden Natural Death. Postgraduate Diploma of Forensic Science, Murdoch The Alfred hospital Nurses Day Drugs and Driving. Forensic Odontology University, Sep 07. Box Hill Hospital students. Sep 07 Sudden Unnatural Death. Postgraduate Presentations – public awareness Drugs and Driving. Australasian College Diploma of Forensic Science, Murdoch of Road Safety. Sep 07. Coronial Services Centre Careers Day University, Sep 07. Sexual Assault/Medical examination. Role of the Pathologist in Fatal Aviation Warragul Salvation Army Women’s NECASA medical staff. Oct 07 Group Accident Investigation. Postgraduate Older Driver Seminar. Monash Diploma of Forensic Science, Murdoch Geelong College University Accident Research Centre. University, Sep 07. Mt Scopus College Oct 07 Death due to Explosion. 2007 National Student Visitors from USA Drugs and Sex. Barristers Office of Bomb Scene Course, Victoria Police Public Prosecutor. Mar 08. Academy, Sep 07. Police Recruits Geriatrics and driving. Kingston Centre Mt Erebus Revisited. Aviation Medical Melbourne Legacy Geriatricians. Apr 08. Society of Victoria Extreme Environment Medicine Update, Antarctica, Feb 08 Tony Hill Traffic medicine. Rural and remote Forensic Odontology Presentation to training registrars. Jun 08. Role of the VIFM. Lyceum Club, Melbourne, Mar 08. the Commonwealth Dental Foundation Forensic medicine and the General meeting, Sydney May 07. Practitioner. General practitioners, A DVI Exercise. Forensic Radiology Forensic odontology: Lecture. Crime Hamilton. Jun 08. – Ancient & Modern Symposium, VIFM, Training, VicPol. Jan 08 & April 08. Mar 08. Helen Parker Overview of Forensic Pathology. Forensic odontology: Arson������������������� Investigation Clinical forensic medicine. Masonic Course. Jun������ 08 Investigations Training Program, Lodge Mark Festival Conference. Nov Australian Federal Police, Canberra, 07 Jan O’Connell May 08. Forensic related issues. Melbourne Shelly Robertson Classification of Injuries. Investigations Sexual Health Clinic. Sep 07. The Coronial System. Masters in Training Program, Australian Federal Police, Canberra, May 08. Forensic issues related to the Emergency Public Health, Law for Health Systems, Department. Oct 07 Monash University, July 07. Unnatural Death. Investigations Training Program, Australian Federal Police, Forensic nurse network – forensic related Basics of Blood Spatter Pattern Canberra, May 08. issues. Monash Medical Centre, Senior Analysis. VIFM Post-graduate Teaching Nurse Managers. Oct 07 La Trobe Programme, Aug 07. Blood Spatter Pattern Analysis. University. Nature of Law/Role of Evidence. Investigations Training Program, Australian Federal Police, Canberra, Forensic nurse network – forensic related VIFM Graduate Diploma of Forensic May 08. issues. Monash Medical Centre. Odontology, Aug 07. Midwifery staff. Nov 07. Role of Court Persons/Expert Evidence. Fatal Aviation Accident Investigation. Investigations Training Program, Clinical forensic nurse related aspects. VIFM Graduate Diploma of Forensic Australian Federal Police, Canberra, Cabrini Hospital nurses. Nov 07 Odontology, Aug 07. May 08. Clinical forensic nurse related aspects. Coronial Law. Australian Orthopaedic Tissue Donation and Transplantation. Alfred Hospital nurses. Feb 08 Association/ Australian College of Legal Medicine, Aug 07. Medical Law III, Monash University, Forensic nurses course. Queensland and May 08. Victoria students. Feb 08. Evidential Procedures. VIFM Graduate Diploma of Forensic Odontology, Aug Medical examinations of police. Office Forensic nursing. Child and Family 07. of Police Integrity. Jun 08. Health students, RMIT. Apr 08. Infectious Agents and Aviation Accident
88 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report APPENDIX C APPENDIX D PRESENTATIONS RESEARCH
Angela Sungaila Current or Completed order to determine if such patterns exist Driving safety. Occupational Therapy Research Projects so that we can recognize the difference students, LaTrobe University. Jun 08 between normal decomposition and Dr Michael McDonough, Prof Olaf pathological processes that may David Wells Drummer, Dr Dimitri Gerostamoulos contribute to death of the individual. Understanding child abuse. Paediatric Title: A Review of Methadone Interest Group, Melbourne. Aug 07 Associated Deaths in Victoria 2001- Dr Melanie Archer 2006 Title: Development of histological Leadership. Northcote Disability techniques to identify juvenile Aims: To systematically review all the Service. Oct 07 calliphorids. available case files (including VIFM Forensic medicine: issues in causation in Toxicology database, Autopsy and Aims: To develop ‘permanent the Coroner’s court. LaTrobeUniversity Coronial records) which have been preservation’ histological techniques Law students. Feb 08. identified as methadone associated that display under light microscopy deaths i.e. deaths where methadone appropriate anatomy for identification of Angela Williams has been detected in the deceased; calliphorid. Sexual assault and the AFL. Lyceum the data thus collected will be used to Club community. Aug 07 identify factors that may have made Dr Marc Bollmann Sexual assault . Family Planning, significant contribution to the cause of Title: Anaphylaxis deaths – Tryptase Victoria. General Practitioners, Nurses. death in each case levels Aug 08. Aims: Correlation between tryptase level Dr Melanie Archer Sexual behaviour: What happens when and final diagnosis Cut-off value for Title: Summer carrion insect succession things go wrong? Monash Medical postmortem samples in Victorian damp sclerophyll forests students. Aug 07 (2) Aims: To measure insect succession Dr Marc Bollmann, Dr Chris AFL new spin on footy training. rates and patterns on pig carrion in the O’Donnell Australasian Sexual Health Medicine. Victorian summer in a damp sclerophyll Title: Pneumonia: How accurate is Oct 07. forest. the diagnosis of severe pneumonia in Child abuse. Monash medical students. the postmortem CT compared to the Oct 07. Prof Olaf Drummer, Dr Dimitri autopsy/histology diagnosis? Gerostamoulos, Jennifer Wallington, Family Planning. General Practitioners/ Aims: The demand for inspection reports Catherine Wort Sexual Health consultants. Feb 08. based on a external examination and Title: Drugs and crash risk: 2000-2006 the CT-Scan is increasing. The aim Medico-Legal sexual assault. Tasmania study with focus on legal drugs of the study is to assess the accuracy General Practitioners. Feb 08. Aims: To review crash risks of this procedure in cases of severe Clinical forensic medicine. Overseas associated with use of cannabis and pneumonia. medical students. May 08. amphetamines compared to previous Dr Nicola Cunningham, Dr Angela Drug and alcohol related sexual assault. study (1990-99), to evaluate trends in Sungaila Women’s health Conference. May 08. drug use in fatally-injured drivers and to assess crash risk associated with Title: Presentations of solvent abuse to a Role of the Forensic Medical Officer. legal drugs (benzodiazepines, opiates, major metropolitan hospital West CASA Counsellors. Jun 08. antidepressants). emergency department New spin on footy training. Melbourne Aims: To describe the rate and manner Dr Morris Odell Cricket Club members. Jun 08 of acute presentations to a hospital Title: Aging and crash risk Forensic science and truth. Presbyterian of solvent abuse. To contribute to the Ladies College. Jun 08. Aims: To determine the incidence of knowledge of the nature and potential serious natural disease in the elderly implications for individuals who abuse Noel Woodford killed driver in order to evaluate need inhalants, specifically toluene. Forensic Pathology and CT Imaging.. for mandated licence review in the VIFM Lecture Series. Oct 07 elderly. Collaborative Projects Dr Tes Toop, Prof Neil Barnett; A/Prof Death Certification. Lecture to Geelong Dr Chris O’Donnell, Dr Jacqueline Kelly Simon Lewis, Dr Melanie Archer. General Practice Group. Mar 08 Title: Determination of demographic Title: Entomotoxicology in Victoria: use influences, patterns and time course of Calliphora stygia as an alternative of decomposition utilizing post-mortem toxicology sample and effects of multi detector computed tomography. morphine on the growth of Calliphora Aims: To analyse post-mortem CT in stygia
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 89 APPENDIX D RESEARCH
Aims: To develop chemiluminescence Aim:To examine the relationship been taken of some mummies and small detection of morphine in maggots of between child sexual abuse and long sections of hair and tissue collected for Calliphora stygia. term outcomes, namely adult offending further analyses. and revictimisation, as well as To measure the effects of morphine on natural death. Sarsha Collett – Supervisors: Dr Chris the growth rates of Calliphora stygia Briggs, Dr Soren Blau maggots. CURRENT PHD STUDENT Title: Post-mortem CT assessment of age Dr Stuart Linton,���������������������� Dr������������������ Tes To�����������op, Dr Paul RESEARCH PROJECTS: related changes to the cervical spine. Francis,� Dr Melanie Archer, ����Prof Jennifer Pilgrim – Supervisors: Prof Olaf Aims: This dissertation involves the use of Michael O’Donnell (McMaster Uni, Drummer, Dr Dimitri Gerostamoulos computerised tomography to ascertain Canada). Title: Role of pharmacogenomics in drug age related changes to the cervical Title: Digestive physiology of morphine caused death spine. Ultimately it will provide important ingestion in forensically important morphometric data on the cervical blowflies Aims: Cases have been selected over spine such as being to determine inter- a 5-year period where deaths were individual variations, gender and age Aims: Rigorously quantifying the effect attributed to drug toxicity but where related differences, and the effect of of morphine on the growth rates of local there was no obvious drug misuse or disease on the morphology of the spine. Victorian blow fly species (following suicide. Target drugs were a selection of Initial studies are being conducted to from initial work already in progress antidepressants of the serotonin reuptake compare data obtained from CT images with Calliphora stygia). inhibitor class, ecstasy (MDMA) and with anatomical observations in order to Investigating the uptake and tramadol since these represent the most validate the use of CT-based data. compartmentalisation of morphine in the common drugs known to affect CYP450 drug metabolising enzymes. A first body of the insect. OTHER STUDENT RESEARCH paper examining these cases for the Examining the clearance of injected presence of one or more symptoms of PROJECTS: morphine from the body of the insect. serotonin toxicity (serotonin syndrome) Richard Fernandez. PhD Student. Determining the mechanism by which has been prepared. Studies are under (Enrolled through MUARC) Supervisor: morphine is excreted from the body of way to genotype blood samples for Prof Joan Ozanne-Smith). a number of the CYP450 isozymes. the insect. Title: Variations in hip muscle thickness in It is anticipated that if polymorphic a high risk hip fracture population. Dr Tes Toop, Prof Neil Barnett; A/Prof changes lead to alterations of drug Simon Lewis, Dr Melanie Archer. metabolism then this might cause an Aims: To determine the range of Title: Time of death estimation using soil over-representation of poor metabolisers thickness in hip musculature among a solution analysis for volatile fatty acids in the selected cohort. sample of older individuals in the high risk group of fall induced hip fractures. Aims: To determine whether the US Janet Davey – Supervisors: Prof Olaf To investigate correlations between technique of VFA ratio analysis has Drummer, A/Prof David Ranson muscle thickness and demographic application in Victorian coronial cases Title: Forensic studies of Graeco-Roman variables and develop a hip injury To investigate sources of variability that child mummies criterion. To adjust the hip musculature of may contribute to error when using this a computer model to reflect appropriate Aims: This dissertation started late 2007 technique. ranges of gluteal muscle thickness from and involves a forensic investigation into high risk hip fracture individuals. Graeco/Roman child mummies to gain Dr Angela Sungaila, Dr Rebecca a better understanding of life and death Heyes, Dr Roland Von Oorschot Jessica Killian. PhD Student. (Enrolled������� of children in ancient Egypt. Collection Title: Skin to skin DNA transfer during through MUARC) Supervisors:����������� Prof Joan of CT scan data is the key process, simulated restraint Ozanne-Smith, Prof Olaf Drummer). followed by scientific testing. Five sets of Title: The correlation between forensic Aim: The study will analyse the rate of child mummy CT scan data have been toxicology and unnatural death.� useful detection of DNA transferred collected and another five have been from an individual’s skin to another at identified as suitable for radiological Aims: Examine the number of unnatural various intervals following physical investigations. The mummies were deaths between 1 July 2000 - 30 June contact. selected during a recent trip to the 2004 in Victoria��������������������. Identify������������������ all cases Egyptian Museum, Cairo and the containing a toxicology report and the A/Prof David Wells, Margaret Cutajar, British Museum London. Other mummies numbers and levels of drugs present.� Prof. Paul Mullen, (Forensicare). Prof. Jim will hopefully be available from other Identify common themes and potential Ogloff. (Forensicare) sources in the coming year. A further prevention measures. Report on trends Title:Child sexual abuse and subsequent three sets of existing CT scan data are compared with previous reports.��������� Identify�������� criminal offending and victimisation now available after discussions at The the therapeutic, toxic or lethal drug University of Zurich. Digital images have concentrations of these drugs.
90 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report APPENDIX D APPENDIX E RESEARCH COMMITTEES
Dr Jeremy Graham. Masters Student. The Council Committees • The scope of work, performance and Supervisors: Dr Pam Craig, Dr Chris independence of the internal audit; The Council has four working O’Donnell, Dr Michal������������������������ Schneider-Kolsky. committees to ensure compliance with • The scope of work and performance Title: The application of CT imaging legislative, accreditation and other of the external auditor; to the dental ageing of children and regulatory requirements. adolescents. • Ratifying the engagement and dismissal of internal and external audit Aims: To ascertain if images of the Executive and Finance service. developing dentition obtained by CT Committee In performing its duties, the Committee can be used for the determination of The Executive and Finance Committee maintains effective working relationships age.���������������������������� ���������������������������To produce a database of CT is a sub-committee reporting to Council, with the Council, management, internal images of developing dentitions of set up to assist the Council in fulfilling and external auditors. Victorian children and adolescents. its financial oversight responsibilities pursuant to the Financial Management Executive Finance Committee Act 1994 (Vic). Members: Prof. R Conyers (Chair), Prof. S Cordner, The Committee oversees: Mr. N Robertson, Mr. Tim Fitzmaurice, • Financial performance and the Ms Mari-Ann Scott (member & Executive financial reporting process, including Officer) the annual financial statements; Audit Committee Members: • The authorisation of accounting Prof. R Conyers (Chair), Mr. N policies; Robertson, Mr. Tim Fitzmaurice, Ms • The operation and implementation of Mari-Ann Scott (Executive Officer) the risk management framework. Ethics Committee Audit Committee The Ethics Committee is constituted These duties include: and operates in accordance with the Responsibility for the Audit Committee National Health & Medical Research functions as specified in the State Council National Statement on Ethical Government’s Financial Management Conduct in Research Involving Humans. Compliance Guidelines. The Committee considers and, where • Matters of accountability and internal appropriate, approves applications for control affecting the operations of the research and other projects by Institute Institute; staff and from external institutions that involve: • The effectiveness of management information systems and other systems • Use of human tissue; of internal control; • Use of information about deceased or The Chair ensures that the Audit living persons or human tissue; and Committee functions are conducted as • Access to deceased persons for the specified in the guidelines including, but purpose of performing procedures that not limited to: are not part of a routine autopsy. • Maintenance of separate Audit The Committee also provides ethical Committee agenda and items, and guidance on issues submitted to it that • Nominating qualified Audit EFC relate to the operations of the Institute. Committee members to be the Institute Members: Audit Committee members. Chair, Professor Peter Sallmann (until • The acceptability of and correct August 2007), Mr. Stephen Nossal accounting treatment for and (from February 2008) Executive Officer, disclosure of significant transactions Ms Patricia O’Brien, Legal advisor, Ms which are part of the Institute’s normal Helen McKelvie, Rev. Dr Doug Fullerton course of business; and (retired August 2007), Mrs. Anita Simon (retired August 2007), A/Prof David • The Institute’s process for monitoring Wells, Prof Stephen Cordner, Ms. compliance with laws and regulations and its own Code of Conduct and Code of Financial Practice.
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 91 APPENDIX E COMMITTEES
Audrey Jamieson, Ms Jacinta Heffey, agreements made with user agencies; procedures for staff; Magistrate Felicity Broughton, Dr • Receive and approve budget • Discuss and resolve privacy issues Richard Nowotny from May 2008, Rev. statements; relevant to each Service; Sue Gorman from May 2008. • Receive and approve quarterly • Report at each meeting a summary of The Donor Tissue Bank operational reports; external privacy requests, including any complaints; Advisory Board • Receive and approve bi-annual and The Advisory Board is a sub-committee annual reports to be provided to the • Identify privacy concerns and of council and was established by NCIS Board of Management via the recommend improvements to Council. VIFM Council; processes and procedures to the IOG; and The functions of the Board are to: • Play an active role in ensuring effective communication between • Report at each privacy committee • Advise the Council and the Director the NCIS and the core funders, the meeting a summary of external of the VIFM about management and VIFM Council, State and Territory privacy requests, including any operations of the Donor Tissue Bank coroners (including the Australasian complaints. of Victoria; Coroners’ Society) and any other key Members • Oversee and monitor the operational stakeholders; Ms H McKelvie & Ms V Winship guidelines of the Donor Tissue Bank • Oversee and review the NCIS user (Privacy Officers and co-Chairs); Ms of Victoria. This includes review of pays system; Patricia O’Brien; Mr D Cauchi; Ms proposed amendments to technical E Orchard; Dr S Robertson; Ms J procedures and of relevant documents • Provide advice on privacy or ethical Sidhu; Dr A Sungaila; Ms J Pearse; to assure compliance with the Bank’s issues, and; Ms M Syrjanen (to Dec 2007) Ms S procedures; • Assess the feasibility of any proposals Horomidis (from Jan 2008); Ms M • Refer any matters involving issues of for new enhancements or major Gardner (SCO Rep to March 2008) ethics to the VIFM Ethics Committee developments the NCIS and provide for advice; and recommendations to the NCIS Occupational Health, Safety Board of Management about such • Receive reports, suggestions, and & Environment (OHS&E) proposals. advice from the various user groups Committee as represented on the Board. Members The OHS&E committee meets every six Mr. G Johnstone (Chair) to November weeks and is a forum for representatives Members 2007, Judge Jennifer Coate (Chair) from all parts of the Coronial Services Prof. S Cordner (Chair), Mr. N from December 2007, Prof. S Cordner, Centre to raise any OHS&E issues for Bergman, Ms. H Cleland, Mr. B Davis, Prof. J Harrison, A/Prof. D Ranson, Mr. action. Hazards are identified and Mr. S Graves, Mr. P Skillington, Mr. A Shott reported by staff through the Continuous D Spelman, Mr. I West, Ms L. Ireland Improvement and Corrective Action (appointed July 2008) Executive Officer - Ms. J Pearse system (eCIRCA) and are reviewed by Executive Officer – Dr Marisa R Herson the OHS&E committee and Quality Other Institute Review Committee. The purpose of this The National Coroners Committees committee is to: Information System Committee • Develop and review safety The National Coroners Information Privacy Committee procedures in use in the VIFM and the System (NCIS) Committee is a sub- The Privacy Committee has been State Coroner’s Office; committee of Council and was established to: • Develop and review staff training and established to provide guidance and • Ensure the Institute complies with the education in relation to OHS&E; support for the management of the Information Privacy Act 2000 (Vic) NCIS. The Committee’s functions are to: and the Health Records Act 2001 • Study incident statistics and examine any trends and recommend control • Monitor the operation of the NCIS; (Vic); measures and improvements; and • Provide guidance and support • Ensure ongoing review of the • Commission regular OHS&E audits, necessary for the NCIS to discharge Institute Privacy policy meets services and recommend changes flowing its responsibilities to the core conducted at Institute; from these. funders, the VIFM Council, State and • Develop procedures to effectively Territory Coroners and any other key Members implement the VIFM Privacy Policy, stakeholders; including organising training/ Prof Olaf Drummer (Chair), Katy Sadler, Emily Orchard (from Feb 08), Soumela • Oversee the provision of services awareness of Privacy policy and Horomidis, Dr Mark Chu (from Aug by the NCIS in accordance with 07), Ian Ryan (from Oct 07), Pat Tighe,
92 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report APPENDIX E APPENDIX F COMMITTEES STAFF LISTING
Dr Jan O’Connell (from March 08), Client Liaison Groups Office of the Director April Stock (to Nov 07), Ron Rose, Stephen Cordner Grieg McFarlane (from Feb 08), Jim WRLS Project Advisory Director, Victorian Institute of Forensic Cosentino, Marie Syrjanen (to Nov 07), Committees Medicine Dr Morris Odell (to March 07), Jessica David Ranson Woods (to Aug 07), Michele Gardner Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatalities Deputy Director (to Aug 07), Jeff Stewart (to Nov 07) in Victoria Helen McKelvie Members: Manager, Medico-Legal Research Internal Governance Professor Joan Ozanne-Smith (Chair), Peter White (SCO), Darren Stebbings Fiona Leahy The Institute Leadership Group (SCO), Trevor Martin (Victorian Manager, Medico-Legal Research Members WorkCover Authority), Peter Nelson Vicky Winship Prof Stephen Cordner (Chair), Helen (VicRoads), Philip Lovel (Transport Manager, Information & Data Analysis McKelvie (Executive Officer), Mari-Ann Industry Safety Group), Inspector & Building Redevelopment Scott, Vicky Winship (to May 2008), Richard Watkins (Major Collision Investigation Unit, Victoria Police), Lisa Priest Prof Olaf Drummer, A/Prof David Executive Assistant. To Jun 08 Ranson, A/Prof David Wells, Dr Marisa Professor Narelle Haworth (Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Herson, Prof Joan Ozanne-Smith (from Corporate Services AND – Queensland University of Technology), July 07) Development Dr Jeffery Archer (Monash University Accident Research Centre), David Mari-Ann Scott The Institute Operations Group Healy (Transport Accident Commission), Head, Corporate Services & Members Michael Nealer (Transport Workers Development. From Jul 07 Mari-Ann Scott (Chair) , Dr Angela Union), Professor Joseph Ibrahim Governance and Risk Williams (Executive Officer), Vicky (WRLS), Lyndal Bugeja (WRLS), Lisa Barbara Thorne Winship, Dr Jodie Leditschke, Dr Dimitri Brodie (WRLS). Gerostamoulos, Barbara Thorne, A/Manager, Governance, Strategic Aldo Morales, Marie Syrjanen (to Projects & Risk Young and Novice Workers Aug 07), Elizabeth Tasevska (to July Finance and Business Services 07), Elizabeth Grayson (to Aug 07), Members Peter Ford Soumela Horomidis (from Jan 08), Peter Professor Joan Ozanne-Smith (Chair), Manager, Finance and Business Ford (from Jan 08), Suzanne Annese Paresa Spanos (SCO), Ian Ryan (SCO), Sevices. From Nov 07 (from Jan 08), Stefan Poniatowski (from Dr Steve Cowley (VIOSH), Caroline Jan 08). Hicks (Victorian WorkCover Authority), Lauren Murton Elizabeth Kilduff (Victorian WorkCover Senior Financial Accountant. Authority), Cindy James (Victoria Police), Quality Review Committee From Jun 08 Professor Joseph Ibrahim (WRLS), Jim Cosentino This committee oversees the quality Lyndal Bugeja (WRLS), Jonathon Ehsani Facilities Management Officer system and associated operations of (WRLS). VIFM. Michael Georgesz During 2007-08, the committee The Clinical Forensic Medicine Purchasing, Stores and Contracts reviewed Audit Reports from the Client Liaison Services Group Officer VIFM Internal Audit Program, Quality Members David Freeman Assurance Program reports (QAP), and Professor Stephen Cordner, Mari-Ann Functions and Administration Officer Continuous Improvement – Corrective Scott, A/Prof David Wells, Supt Bill De Jeanette Buckley Action Reports (CIRCA) covering issues Bruyn, Mr. Simon Copely. Receptionist and Accounts Payable relating to Complaints, Compliments, Officer Equipment, Evidence Handling, External Service, Improvement Request, Internal Christine Bertolotti Service, OHSE Issues, Safety Incidents Financial Accountant. and QAPs. Nov 07 to May 08 Members Jason Dawson Mari-Ann Scott (chair), Prof Stephen Management Accountant. To Nov 07 Cordner, A/Prof David Ranson, David Moore Prof Olaf Drummer, Marie Syrjanen Accounts Payable Officer. To Jan 08 (Executive officer to Aug 07), Soumela Horomidis (Executive officer from Sep 07).
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 93 APPENDIX F STAFF LISTING
Technology Services Donor Tissue Bank of Divyang Butala Aldo Morales Victoria Research Scientist. From Sep 07 Manager, Technology Services Marisa Herson Laura Murphy Head, Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria Gavin Reichel Administrative Assistant System Architect/Lead Security Officer Liz Grayson Operations Manager. To Sep 07 Forensic AND Scientific Jenny Neame Services Information Support /Release Stefan Poniatowski Olaf Drummer Management Operations Manager. From Jan 08 Head, Forensic & Scientific Services Ron Rose Justine Mizen Ceril Pereira Windows and Desktop Administrator Manager, Transplant and Family Liaison Personal Assistant Services. To Sep 07 Murray Hall Luba Pylnik Manager of Availability, Capacity and Susan Dickie Administration Officer Service Continuity Transplant and Family Liaison Coordinator Jarrod Boxall Toxicology NCIS Systems Architect Joanna Forteeth Dimitri Gerostamoulos Transplant and Family Liaison Manager, Toxicology Caroline Rosenberg Coordinator Manager, Forensic Imaging Services Jochen Beyer Melissa Mogford Overseas Post Doctoral Research Fellow Kerry Johannes Transplant and Family Liaison Manager, Library Kerryn Crump Coordinator Senior Scientist Quality and Improvement Jaspreet Sidhu Alex Kotsos Marie Syrjanen Transplant and Family Liaison Senior Scientist Manager, Quality, Strategy and Coordinator Organisational Development. To Jan 08 Maria Pricone Kellie Hamilton Senior Scientist Soumela Horomidis Senior Scientist Manager, Quality and Improvement Voula Staikos Kirsty Peltz Senior Scientist Frances Adamas Senior Microbiologist. To Nov 07 Quality and System Improvement Officer Mary Boratto Gregory Cooper Scientist Tram Trinh Senior Microbiologist. Quality and System Improvement Officer Mar 08 To Jun 08 Mark Chu From Oct 07 Scientist Tyra Markert Helen Makrakis Microbiologist. From Jun 08 Sue Cuell Quality Support Officer Scientist Jenny Milne Human Resources and Microbiology Assistant Natalie George Scientist Organisational Development Jocasta Ball Sue Annese Scientist Melynda Nooy Manager, Human Resources and Scientist Katy Sadler Organisational Development. Scientist Jennifer Wallington From Dec 07 Scientist Ben Stewart Fran Barresi Scientist Sophie Widdop Senior Human Resources Consultant. Scientist To Aug 07 Danielle McLean Technician Katherine Wong Sarah Snow Scientist Senior Human Resources Consultant Kimberley McNeil Technician. To Feb 08 Jessica Woods Lisa Omer Scientist Human Resources Consultant Phil Butler Technical Assistant. From Jun 08 Louise Lagerquist Angela Piacentre Technical Officer. To Oct 07 Human Resources Consultantnt Mark Bond Technical Assistant. To Feb 08 Luke Rodda Technical Officer. Oct 07 to Feb 08 Sandhy Tewari Project Manager, ADM Catherine Wort Technical Officer
94 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report APPENDIX F STAFF LISTING
Matthew Di Rago Medical Services Technical Assistant. From Dec 07 Vaun Kimber Sessional Forensic Odontologist Jeff Lomas Histology Manager, Medical Services. Elishka Marvan From May 08 David Cauchi Sessional Forensic Odontologist Manager, Histology Patricia O’Brien Linda Steinberg Pathology Liasion Officer Joanne Hanna Sessional Forensic Odontologist Senior Scientist Natalie Morgan Forensic Technical Services Family and Medical Liaison Nurse Michael Pais Consultant Scientist Jodie Leditschke Manager, Forensic Technicial Services Robert Coyle Forensic Pathology Technician. From Jul 07 Rebecca Ellen Noel Woodford Senior Forensic Technical Officer Head, Pathology Molecular Biology Sarsha Collett Michael Burke Bentley Atchison Senior Forensic Technical Officer Forensic Pathologist Manager, Molecular Biology. To Dec 07 Barry Murphy Matthew Lynch Senior Forensic Technicial Officer Forensic Pathologist Dadna Hartman Manager, Molecular Biology. Emily Orchard Malcolm Dodd From Apr 08 Senior Forensic Technical Officer Forensic Pathologist Joy Russell Sebastian Belfrage Paul Bedford Senior Scientist Forensic Technicial Officer. General Pathologist From Dec 07 April Stock Sarah Parsons Senior Scientist Keith Bretherton Anatomical Pathologist Forensic Technicial Officer Linda Benton Shelley Robertson Scientist Matt Brown Forensic Pathologist Forensic Technicial Officer. Leah Morenos From Mar 08 Melissa Baker Scientist. From Dec 07 Forensic Pathology Registrar. Peter Bury From Feb 08 Human Identification Services Forensic Technical Officer Kate White John Clement Alex Evangelista Forensic Pathologist. To Feb 08 Forensic Odontologist. To Sep 07 Forensic Technicial Officer Chris O’Donnell Tony Hill Rubyah Haouchar Sessional radiologist Forensic Odontologist Forensic Technical Officer Jill Lloyd Soren Blau James Heywood Medical Typist Forensic Anthropologist Forensic Technical Officer Mary Reddan Melanie Archer Clare Holmes Medical Typist Forensic Entomologist (part time) Forensic Technicial Officer. Chris Briggs From Mar 08 Clinical Forensic Medicine Sessional Forensic Anthropologist Milica Jonceski David Wells Head, Clinical Forensic Medicine Richard Bassed Forensic Technical Officer. To Jun 08 Sessional Forensic Odontologist Brian Lloyd Nicola Cunningham Forensic Physician. From Jan 08 Peter Bertelsen Forensic Technical Officer Sessional Forensic Odontologist Jill McBain Morris Odell Forensic Physician Nils Broder Forensic Technical Officer. To Mar 08 Sessional Forensic Odontologist Danielle Stevens Helen Parker Forensic Physician Pam Craig Forensic Technical Officer. From Jun 08 Sessional Forensic Odontologist Samatha Whitehead Rebecca Quake Forensic Physician. From Jan 08 Jeremy Graham Forensic Technicial Officer Sessional Forensic Odontologist Angela Sungaila Forensic Physician Norhayti Jaffar Sessioanl Forensic Odontologist Janet Towns Forensic Physician. From Jan 08
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report 95 APPENDIX F STAFF LISTING
Angela Williams Noel Osborne Uwom Okereke Eze Forensic Physician Case Review Officer. To Dec 07 Overseas Fellow (Nigera). From Feb 08 Jan O’Connell David Bourke Morio Iino Forensic Nurse Network Coordinator Case Review Officer. To Jul 07 Overseas Fellow (Japan). From Jun 08. Carole Spence Jonathon Ehsani Ho Lee Manager, Medical Office Services Senior Research Officer. To May 08 Overseas Fellow (Korea) Oct 07 - Feb 08 Corinda Barratt Mark Symmons Administrative Assistant. To Aug 07 Senior Research Officer. To May 08 Trent Brickle Graduate Recruit Oct 07-Feb 08 Gabrielle Conners Lisa Brodie Administration Officer Research Officer Jacqueline Lewinsohn Graduate Recruit To Feb 08 Liz Daly Briohny Kennedy Administration Officer Research Officer. From May 08 Lindsay Munyard Graduate Recruit To Sep 07 Debbie Hellings Fiona Kitching Administrative Assistant. From Jul 07 Administration Officer. From Oct 07 Jonathon Tarascio Professional Practice Student Noelle Large NCIS Administrative Officer Tu Vo Jessica Pearse Professional Practice Student Emma Paige Manager, NCIS Medical Typist. Nov 07 to Feb 08 Leanne Daking Johann de Witt Oosthuizen Quality Manager Forensic Registrar. Aug 07 to Feb 08 Bronwyn Hewitt Wendy Lim Senior Coder Fatal Road Crash Forensic Registrar. Oct 07 to Apr 08 Database Rebecca Ee Pei Wong Judy Schulz Forensic Registrar. From May 08 Coder Fatal Road Crash Database From Apr 08 Deb Bernstein Forensic Registrar. From Feb 08 Tony Chan Quality Assurance/IT Officer Evan Grambas Forensic Registrar. To Aug 07 Marde Hoy NCIS Access Officer Christina Kanagasabi Registrar. To Sep 07 Helen Messinis Administration Officer. From Nov 07 Prevention Research Stephen Morton Service Administration Officer. To Aug 07 Joan Ozanne-Smith Head, Prevention Research Service / Medical Law Program Principal Research Fellow Leanna Darvall Joe Ibrahim Convenor Medical Law Program Consultant, Forensic Physician Macy Wong Adam O’Brien Personal Assistant To Oct 07 Consultant, Forensic Physician Julianne Awad Amanda Charles Personal Assistant From May 08 Clinical Research Nurse Resident Students and Carmel Young Overseas Fellows Clinical Research Nurse Janet Davey Lyndal Bugeja PhD Candidate Senior Research Officer Jennifer Pilgrim Barbara Thorne PhD Candidate Manager, SIU. To Oct 07 Dhammika Ariyarathna Zoe Davies Overseas Fellow (Sri Lanka). Project Officer, SIU From Feb 08
96 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Annual Report VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC MEDICINE ANNUAL REPORT 2007-08
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