The NSW Coroner has recommended doctors be legally obliged to alert police with concerns about patients who hold firearms.

Magistrate Teresa O’Sullivan made a suite of recommendations at the conclusion of a coronial inquest into the murder-suicide of a father and son on the NSW north coast.

Warning: This story contains details that readers may find distressing.

The inquest heard Wayne Smith fatally shot his 15-year-old son Noah Smith before killing himself at their home in Yamba on June 1, 2023.

man and boy

The coronial inquest found that Wayne Smith’s deteriorating mental health had deeply impacted his relationship with his son, Noah Smith. (Supplied: Facebook)

The court was told that while Wayne Smith’s firearms licence had been previously suspended over mental health concerns — his guns were returned to him six months before the incident.

Magistrate O’Sullivan said both father and son deeply loved and cared for each other in a complex relationship strained by Wayne Smith’s mental health.

“Wayne’s deteriorating mental health necessarily affected Noah,” she said.

“At times, he accepted responsibilities far beyond what would be expected of a young person.

“Noah was a much-loved son, grandson and friend who lived an active and full life.”

The coroner noted that, unlike the majority of filicide cases, the inquest found no evidence that Wayne Smith had threatened or mistreated his son prior to the shooting.

man and boy with fish

The inquest found Wayne Smith had not mistreated his son Noah prior to the murder-suicide in June 1, 2023.  (Supplied: Facebook)

The court heard that a “complex constellation of stressors” had degraded the 58-year-old’s mental health prior to the shootings.

Coroner’s recommendations

Magistrate O’Sullivan made a total of seven recommendations directed at NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley and Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.

“This was an important inquest, and some important recommendations have been made as a result,” she said.Police cars and crime scene investigators at Yamba house. A boat and caravan are parked in the drive of the house

Emergency services discovered the bodies of Noah and Wayne Smith after arriving at the family home in Yamba on June 1, 2023.  (ABC News: Emma Rennie)

They included creating a statutory obligation for doctors, requiring them to contact police with concerns about patients who possessed firearms, and encouraging general practitioners to enquire whether patients owned firearms.

The coroner also recommended that gun licence applicants with a documented history of suicidal ideation provide a mental health risk assessment from a doctor and a psychologist.

If you or anyone you know needs help:Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467Lifeline on 13 11 14Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636Headspace on 1800 650 890ReachOut at au.reachout.comMensLine Australia on 1300 789 978QLife 1800 184 527

Magistrate O’Sullivan also recommended the NSW Police Firearm Registry consider the “rigour of evidence” required to apply or reapply for a firearms licence to take part in recreational hunting or vermin control.

In a statement, a spokesperson for NSW Police said a review of the coroner’s recommendations and findings is being prepared. 

The NSW police minister has been contacted for comment.

At the conclusion of the inquest, Magistrate O’Sullivan paid tribute to the conduct of the family and friends of the deceased throughout the inquiry.

“I offer my sincere condolences to Noah and Wayne’s family and friends for their tragic loss,” she said.

“Their grace and dignity throughout these proceedings were remarkable.”