Media Release: Commitment for Formal Apology for families impacted by the Coronial Project is Welcome
Commitment for Formal Apology for families impacted by the Coronial Project is Welcome
11 November 2025
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today welcomed the Attorney-General’s public commitment that a formal apology will be provided to all those Tasmanians affected by the unlawful retention of loved ones’ body samples obtained through autopsies.
Ms Webb has been calling for a formal State Apology since January this year, while raising ongoing concerns regarding the impact of the subsequent Coronial Project investigation.
“I welcome the public commitments made by Attorney-General Guy Barnett during Question Time that before the end of this year, a formal statement will be made in the Parliament outlining the timeframe and steps the Government intends to take to develop an appropriate parliamentary apology to all those affected by the Coronial Project be delivered next year,” Ms Webb said.
“It won’t undo the grief, pain and trauma so many people have found themselves thrust back into following the awful publication of the Coroner’s Office advert in January this year, but an apology commitment is a significant acknowledgment that this indignity should not have been inflicted on their loved ones, and they should not have found themselves grieving tragedies again.
“I acknowledge and thank the Attorney-General for taking on board much of the feedback I and others have raised with the government on behalf of the many hurt, angry and bewildered Tasmanians impacted by this shocking situation.”
Ms Webb said it was significant for many families to acknowledge the Coroner’s Findings did not answer all their questions of how and why this unlawful activity was allowed to occur.
“It is also important for people to know the DPP, Tasmania Police and the Health Department have been asked to investigate any matters arising from the Coronial findings report, even if the passage of time means that not all questions can be answered.
Ms Webb said the timing of the upcoming Ministerial Statement intended to provide an update on the apology development and delivery process should also be confirmed in a timely manner to allow any affected families to attend or watch that update.
“For many a formal apology may be too little too late, but it is the least the Government can do, and I welcome the Attorney-General’s willingness to come on board and to also consult on this important apology itself.
