Bosses to testify at inquest over deadly COVID outbreak

They were managing the Fawkner facility in Melbourne's north when 50 residents died during Victoria's second COVID-19 outbreak in mid-2020.

Then-state coroner John Cain in December 2021 rejected Mr Kontis and Ms Kos' request, ruling it was in the interest of justice for them to give evidence.

The pair challenged the ruling first to the Supreme Court and then to the Court of Appeal but their bids ultimately failed in December 2022.

By that stage, WorkSafe had filed criminal charges against St Basil's so the inquest remained on hold.

The facility pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court in March to a charge of failing to ensure all staff were properly trained to minimise health risks.

St Basil's was convicted and fined $150,000.

At a directions hearing in the Coroners Court on Thursday, counsel assisting Naomi Hodgson confirmed the inquest would resume now the WorkSafe case had concluded.

New State Coroner Liberty Sanger will take over the proceedings, following Judge Cain's retirement.

Ms Hodgson confirmed Mr Kontis and Ms Kos were scheduled to give evidence at the inquest in the first week of August.

The parties will then make submissions before the coroner delivers her findings into the deaths of the residents and any prevention recommendations.

Judge Sanger apologised to the residents' families for the delay, saying she understood the drawn-out process must have added to their suffering.

"I want to let you know it has been important for the administration of justice that these processes have run their course," she said on Thursday.

"I also want to acknowledge the time it's taken to reach this point and that time has no doubt caused you further distress."

The coroner said there would be no need to recall any of the 53 witnesses who gave evidence during the month-long inquest held in 2021.

The scope of the inquest also remained unchanged, she said.