The circumstances surrounding the death of the family were examined at an inquest which began in Brisbane last year.
Handing down her findings today, Coroner Kellie O’Callaghan found Ms Charmaine had committed suicide and filicide by driving into the truck.
She said the deaths had caused “unimaginable trauma” for their father James McLeod, who was in a custody dispute with Ms McLeod at the time, as well as Ms McLeod’s family and friends.
Ms O’Callaghan said it was impossible to say whether Ms McLeod crashed the car only out of “revenge” against her ex-husband, who she had come to believe in the hours before the crash would win custody of their children.
The court heard Ms McLeod had a long history of mental illness and had borderline personality disorder.
“In keeping with her untreated mental health conditions, particularly borderline personality disorder, this belief triggered a dramatic response, namely the killing of herself and her children,” she said.
“I am unable to determine whether this was solely an act of revenge against Mr McLeod, or a result of a genuine perceived fear for the safety of herself and her children.
Mr McLeod and members of Ms McLeod’s family were in Brisbane Coroners Court to hear the findings.
The inquest also looked at abuse allegations made by Ms McLeod against Mr McLeod in a handwritten note found at the scene.
The court previously heard the allegations were reported by Ms McLeod to Queensland Police Service (QPS) and investigated but were found to be unsubstantiated.
Today, Ms O’Callaghan found the police response to Ms McLeod’s allegations of domestic violence and child abuse was adequate and appropriate.
She said Ms McLeod had had “a lot of interactions” with agencies, including QPS and child services, but made no finding against any agencies or individuals.
Ms O’Callaghan said Ms McLeod’s condition was “very complex” and “no-one could have predicted” what happened.
She said even with a “different approach” it was unlikely the children’s deaths could have been prevented.
Ms O’Callaghan said many of the recommendations suggested to her were not appropriate or sufficiently connected to the deaths
She suggested that the Queensland Law Society look into offering its solicitors a specialised mental health consulting service for clients with precarious mental health, and that Legal Aid look into offering educational opportunities regarding the impact of family court proceedings on clients who are vulnerable.
Paul Harris, the father of Ms. McLeod, expressed his disappointment with the decision outside of court.
He expressed his expectation for suggestions to alter the way government entities collaborated, especially with regard to mental health.
In response to a question concerning the passing of his daughter and grandsons, he stated, “It’s difficult to deal with, but we’re doing our best.”
