Media Release: Formal State Apology to Coronial Project Families Needed and Further Investigation of Unresolved Matters

September 12, 2025

Formal State Apology to Coronial Project Families Needed

and Further Investigation of Unresolved Matters

Friday, 13 September 2025

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today called for the Rockliff Government to issue a formal State Apology to all families affected by the recent revelations that partial remains from their deceased loved ones had been retained unlawfully and held in the R.A. Rodda Museum of Pathology.

Ms Webb also called for Attorney General Guy Barnett to commit to investigating breaches of the law, ensuring both responsible individuals and institutions can be held accountable.

“While the actions which resulted in this horrific situation may be deemed historic, the resulting pain, trauma and anger of family members has been inflicted now,” Ms Webb said.

“Despite the Coroner handing down his findings on Thursday, many questions remain unanswered.  Tasmanians deserve full and proper resolution of all outstanding matters relating to this appalling situation.

“The State Government should now commit to undertaking the following two steps at the very least. 

“I call on the government to issue a formal State Apology to all those affected as soon as possible and commence further investigations to identify any breaches of the law.”

Ms Webb said the Coroner’s Findings report identifies that the remains retained without authorisation appear to have been sourced by forensic and hospital pathologists in the course of coronial autopsies. 

“The Coroner goes on to state:

“The retention of human remains without family or coronial approval, or even knowledge, is an historic practice out of keeping with, and offensive to, contemporary standards and values. It is inconceivable to my mind that it would ever happen again although the fact that the practice continued for as long as it did and ended only comparatively recently is also almost equally inconceivable.” (clause 32).

“Shockingly, the inconceivable did occur, and it has left real damage in its wake. Further, that inconceivable action was undertaken by state appointees and employees, presumably within state and public institutions.

“The State, therefore, must shoulder its share of the responsibility.

“The Attorney General must commit to a formal State Apology to be delivered as soon as possible, while also undertaking to fully investigate any breaches of the law which may have occurred.”

Ms Webb reiterated the swift delivery of an appropriate formal State Apology does not negate the need for a further comprehensive investigation into potential breaches of the law, with both actions required.

The Coronial Project Coroner’s Findings report released Thursday, 11 September 2025 can be viewed here

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