Ex-Dreamworld boss’ $3000-a-day pay to attend inquest
The families of the four people killed in the 2016 Dreamworld ride disaster are a step closer to finding out what happened as the inquest into their deaths begins.
The coronial probe will examine the circumstances around the deaths of Kate Goodchild, her brother Luke Dorsett and his partner Roozi Araghi, and Cindy Low, who were killed when a raft they were in on the Thunder River Rapids ride malfunctioned and flipped in October 2016.
The families have waited more than a year for answers and on Tuesday the inquest will begin, during which dates for evidence to be heard will likely be set.
The police, who investigated the deaths, have prepared a brief of evidence for the coroner to consider.
They have recommended no criminal charges be laid against Dreamworld staff over the fatal incident, but the coroner can still suggest prosecutions after hearing evidence.
Following the tragic incident, the Queensland government passed industrial manslaughter laws with maximum 20 years imprisonment for individuals or a $10 million fine for corporate offenders.
The new legislation will not apply to anyone involved in the Dreamworld tragedy as it can’t be enforced retrospectively.
Deborah Thomas, the former boss of Ardent Leisure, owners of Dreamworld, will be paid $3000 a day to attend the inquest.
When Ms Thomas left Ardent last year she reportedly received a $730,000 payout and would also receive the daily amount for attending the inquest.