The operators of a Queensland hostel where 15 young backpackers died in a blaze could face manslaughter charges over the lack of fire safety precautions.

Operators John Thomas Dobe and Christian Verdon Atkinson both claimed privilege at the coronial inquest in Childers, 300km north of Bundaberg.

The 15 backpackers from Australia and overseas were killed in a vicious fire that swept through the Palace Backpackers hostel at Childers, on June 23, 2000.

The fire was deliberately lit in the TV/lounge area by Robert Paul Long, who had previously been evicted from the hostel.

Long, an itinerant, found guilty in the Queensland Supreme Court in 2002 of arson and murder, is serving a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years.

On the advice of their barrister, Tony Rafter SC, Mr Dobe and Mr Atkinson claimed privilege on the basis that their answers could incriminate them.

Mr Rafter told the inquest his clients had already supplied the police with numerous written statements and recorded interviews on the matter.

State Coroner Michael Barnes agreed to the claim of privilege because the pair could face manslaughter charges on the basis of criminal negligence through failing to provide proper safety measures in case of fire.

"Your concern is that your clients may incriminate themselves on the basis of criminal negligence as operators of the premises?" he asked Mr Rafter, who acknowledged that was correct.

The inquest has heard evidence that no fire inspection had been done, a faulty fire alarm was turned off, windows were barred, nailed or painted shut and exits were blocked, impeding escape from the blaze.

Speaking outside court on Tuesday, Mitchell Brown, a solicitor from legal firm Slater and Gordon, who is representing the families of the deceased, told journalists that the families - who did not attend the inquest - would not want anyone else charged over the tragedy.

"I don't think so. They want to move on, the damage has been done," Mr Brown said.

He added he was hoping to have informal discussions about compensation for the families involving the other parties later this week.

The families have launched civil proceedings against the council, the Queensland government and hostel owners and operators.

Isis Shire mayor Bill Trevor, who was observing the inquest, would not comment to journalists about the possibility of criminal charges.

"Let's not pre-empt anything. Let the coroner do his job, as everyone else has done their job in the past six years," Mr Trevor said.