Key Legislative Reforms Advance in Parliament
The Justice and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025 has passed the House of Assembly.
Attorney-General Guy Barnett said the Bill amends four existing Acts, including significant amendments relating to the Coroners Act 1995 and providing a clear and direct right of access by senior next of kin to coronial records.
“The Bill ensures a senior next of kin can be provided with a copy of the coronial record if they seek it, unless one of the limited exceptions applies,” the Attorney said.
“This is essential in the spirit of open justice, to ensure transparency, accountability and public confidence in our justice system.
“We also hope that the provision of this material can provide some closure to families following an investigation into a death.
“In particular, I would like to thank Jason and Amanda Westbrook for the information they have shared with me, and for the time they have taken to provide feedback on these amendments.”
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 include removing unnecessary restrictions that prevent our highly qualified nurse practitioners from issuing workers’ compensation certificates,” the Attorney said.
“This can only be issued by medical practitioners currently, but the Bill allows for this to happen in emergency departments under appropriate protocols, improving efficiency within our hospitals.
“We have worked closely with stakeholders on these amendments to improve and clarify the operation of these pieces of legislation and I would like to extend my thanks everyone involved.”
https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/latest-news/2025/may/important-legislative-reforms-progressing-through-parliament