No inquest into death of Christian Porter accuser: SA coroner

South Australian coroner David Whittle has ruled out an inquest into the death of the woman known as Kate.

Christian Porter strongly denied having raped the woman when they were both teenagers in 1988. Picture: Getty Images.

The South Australian coroner did not contact Christian Porter throughout his investigation into the death of the woman who accused him of rape, The Australian has been told.

South Australian coroner David Whittle announced on Thursday there would be no inquest into the death of the woman known as Kate.

“An exhaustive coronial investigation has now been completed,” Mr Whittle said in a statement.

“I have entered a finding as to the cause of Kate’s death and determined that an inquest will not be held. This is in accordance with the wishes of Kate’s family, who have requested that their privacy be respected.”

The Australian understands Mr Porter did not contribute to that investigation and was not asked to.

Friends of the woman who took her own life in June 2020, after accusing the former attorney-general of raping her when they were teenagers, have described “tragic failures of process” in her case.

The friends of Kate issued a statement in response to the announcement.

“We are grateful for the South Australian coroner’s exhaustive and respectful investigation into Kate’s death,” said Jo Dyer, Nick Ryan and Jeremy Samuel on behalf of a group of Kate’s friends.

“We remain disappointed the NSW Police did not conduct a similarly thorough investigation into the crime Kate alleged had been perpetrated against her.

The friends added: “We continue to believe there were tragic failures of process in Kate’s case.

“Whilst too late for Kate, if these failures are properly acknowledged, investigated and understood, it may help others who find themselves in a similar position of hopelessness and despair in the future.

“We completely understand and respect Kate’s family’s wish for privacy. Our ongoing relationship with them is cherished.”

Mr Porter has strenuously denies the allegation that he raped Kate in 1988, when he was 17. He was the attorney-general in March 2021 when he outed himself as the minister accused by Kate.

He took leave and was the federal minister for industry in September 2021 when he resigned from the Coalition front bench. He did not contest last year’s federal election.

Mr Porter did not comment when contacted by The Australian.