Enhancing Operation Of Our Legislative Frameworks
The Justice and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025, which amends four existing Acts, has been tabled in Parliament.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, said our Government is ensuring Tasmania’s legislative framework operates effectively and meets community expectations.
“The most significant amendments in this Bill relate to the Coroners Act 1995 and respond to concerns regarding the process to obtain coronial records,” the Attorney said.
“Under the current law, the Coronial Division of the Magistrates Court of Tasmania has a broad discretionary power to grant access to coronial records.
“The amendment Bill inserts a requirement that the senior next of kin be provided with a copy of a coronial record they request, other than in a limited set of circumstances.”
A coronial record under the Bill includes documents and evidence such as autopsy and other postmortem reports and autopsy photographs.
A request may only be refused if the release of the coronial record is prohibited by legislation; would prejudice the investigation, breach the law, or impact the administration of the law or a fair trial of a person; or would be contrary to national security or personal security.
The Court currently facilitates access to records for family members under the current practice, however, the Bill provides certainty and clarity for the community and the Court.
Attorney-General Barnett said the amendments provide for a clear and direct right of access by the senior next of kin to coronial records.
“It is essential in the spirit of open justice, to ensure transparency, accountability and public confidence in our justice system,” the Attorney said.
The Bill also includes minor amendments to the Corrections Act 1997, Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2020 and Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1998 to improve the operation of these Acts.
“The amendments arise from requests from various stakeholders to update, clarify and improve the operation of particular pieces of legislation,” the Attorney said.
“Our Government thanks the stakeholders for their input to this process.
“In particular I would like to acknowledge the advocacy of the Westbrook family who have lobbied for changes to this coronial process following the tragic loss of Eden Westbrook.”
A Fact Sheet providing further detail on the Bill is available on the Parliamentary website, https://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/bills.
https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/latest-news/2025/april/enhancing-the-operation-of-our-legislative-frameworks