Victorian coroner Sara Hinchey steps aside over complaint

A COMPLAINT against Victorian coroner Sara Hinchey has prompted her to step aside from the role as allegations are investigated.

Victorian Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey has stepped aside.

STATE Coroner Sara Hinchey has stood down after a complaint about her behaviour was lodged with the Judicial Complaints Commission.

The complaint is believed to involve alleged bullying, although sources say the organisation has long been dys­functional, with some staff outwardly hostile to change.

According to one supporter of Judge Hinchey, her direct approach may have upset long-serving staff.

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“It’s been bubbling along for a while. She is direct and uses strong language. It’s no secret fuddy duddies may not like that,” one said.

Judge Hinchey is married to barrister Tom Pikusa, and is known to play classical music in her office.

Coroners Court staff were said to be shocked at the news of Judge Hinchey standing down. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A complaint was recently lodged with the JCC but director Richard Besley said he was not able to say how long it would take to resolve the issue, but dismissed ­suggestions there were many complaints.

It is believed several senior staff have left the Coroners Court since Judge Hinchey was appointed in 2015 by Labor Attorney-General Martin ­Pakula. She is on the board of the JCC, but will stand aside while the issue is resolved.

The Herald Sun has been told Coroners Court staff were shocked at the news. Judge Hinchey is believed to have ­introduces several changes, some of which longer-serving staff were not happy with.

The complaints are seen as trivial by many staff who are loyal to her. Some complaints are believed to centre on her use of “colourful” language.

There is believed to be a split between staff at the court, with some backing Judge ­Hinchey and some said to have been plotting against her.

Victorian Attorney-General Martin Pakula appointed Judge Hinchey. Picture: AAP

“I have been advised that I am the subject of a complaint lodged with the Judicial Commission of Victoria,” Judge Hinchey said in a statement.

“In accordance with the Commission’s processes, I am preparing a response to the ­allegations. For the good of the Court, my intention is to hand my duties as State Coroner to Deputy State Coroner Iain West while the Commission considers this matter.

“In the interim, I will return to sit in a full-time capacity as a Judge of the County Court.” Another source told the Herald Sun Judge Hinchey had been regarded as having an abrasive style that was “normal’’ in the legal fraternity but raised ­objections after she became Coroner.

She came from a law firm, and then was a County Court judge, where it is claimed she would tell associates to get her lunch and collect her dry cleaning.

But public servants at the Coroners Court were taken aback by the “ingrained ­cultural issues’’ she brought with her.

“She struggled with the transition,’’ a source said.

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