Media Release: Coronial Project Formal State Apology Welcome

Coronial Project Formal State Apology Welcome

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today welcomed progress on the formal Parliamentary apology to those affected by the historical practices at the Rodda Museum of Pathology, regarding the retention without consent of human remains.

Ms Webb has called and campaigned for the formal Parliamentary apology by the State Government to the affected families, following the publication in January 2025 in the local newspaper of the 177 names of Tasmanians who had body parts retained without permission.

“The formal State apology in parliament on May 19 is a welcome development and one which I have long called for,” Ms Webb said.

“However, we must also acknowledge it will not undo the serious trauma, shock and horror felt by many Tasmanians since this appalling treatment of their loved ones was exposed.

“It is not only the historic wrongs committed at the Rodda Museum which must be acknowledged by the formal state apology, but also the unnecessary retraumatizing treatment many family members were subjected to over the last 15 months while seeking answers as to how this atrocity occurred.

“Sadly, many of these questions remain unanswered.”

Ms Webb said currently there are too many Tasmanians still wondering how and why their parent, their child, their sister or brother had part of their remains sampled and kept, and in some instances placed on public display, by the Rodda Museum, without consent.

“Although the formal apology will not undo the harm done, or even answer unresolved questions, hopefully the fact the State is accepting responsibility will provide a degree of closure to those affected.

“This appalling breach of medical ethics was wrong, it was illegal and should never have happened. Stepping up, accepting responsibility and providing a full, formal apology is the least the Government, and the parliament, can do.”

Ms Webb also reiterated her call the Government’s formal apology be developed and delivered in a trauma-informed manner.

“I appreciate the efforts the Government has made to notify affected family members of the parliamentary date for the formal apology prior releasing the details publicly, and I also hope the development of the apology will also be undertaken in an appropriately trauma-informed manner.”