Alec Meikle was just 16 years old when he took his own life on October 13, 2008.

He had been working as an apprentice at one of Bathurst’s largest employers, Downer EDI Rail, where, the inquest will hear, he had been set on fire by colleagues who also threatened to sexually assault him.

The incident where Alec was set alight occurred on May 27, 2008 and was reported to his employers that afternoon.

WorkCover was also contacted.

After seeing his doctor that same day, Alec was placed on stress leave and never returned to work.

Alec attempted to take his own life in August 2008, at which time his family moved him home to his native New Zealand, but just weeks later, on October 13, he committed suicide.

At the time Downer EDI released a statement saying the company made “a full investigation into the workplace incident” and “appropriate action was taken at the time”.

The company also said it fully co-operated with independent investigations undertaken by the relevant authorities.

A spokesperson for WorkCover NSW, which will also be considering the findings of this week’s inquest, confirmed in July 2009 that Alec’s parents received a worker’s compensation death benefit lump sum payment of $425,000 – the statutory amount payable for a death at that time. 

The inquest, which has 23 witnesses giving evidence, is being heard before Deputy State Coroner Paul MacMahon at Glebe Coroner’s Court from today.

The matter has been set down for nine days.

Among those expected to give evidence are Alec’s father Richard, who, along with his wife Andrea, have returned to Australia for the inquest.

Alec’s brother and sister, both of whom reside in NSW, will also be present.

Orange-based barrister Bill Walsh, assisted by solicitor Lauren Ritchie, will be representing the Meikle family during the inquest.

If you need to talk to someone phone Lifeline’s 24-hour counselling service on 13 11 14.