Media Release: Historic Vote to Expunge Historical Convictions & Provide Redress

Historic Vote to Expunge Historical Convictions & Provide Redress

5 November 2025

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today welcomed the passage through the Upper House of the historic Expungement of Historical Offences legislation, describing it as a long-overdue affirmation of Tasmanians’ human rights.

“This historic and significant reform affirms all Tasmanians’ fundamental human rights to live free of fear of State vilification and discrimination,” Ms Webb said.

“Many young Tasmanians today are unaware of this relatively recent ugly part of our history when cruel and dehumanizing laws criminalised homosexuality. 

“For many it is unthinkable they could risk being arrested and jailed just because of who they love.

“Since that dark period discriminatory laws have been revoked and formal apologies made. However, these unjust criminal records and social stains of decades past remain.

“The State is finally accepting its responsibility to address this remaining harmful legacy, and now those unjust criminal records can be expunged, and financial redress provided.”

Ms Webb also highlighted these welcome reforms were made possible by the current minority Government situation and power-sharing Parliament.

“Unfortunately, the Liberal Government’s initial Bill failed to provide for a redress scheme.

“It is down to the collaborative efforts across Chambers, Parliamentary Committees, parties and Independents that we have now passed reforms heralded as setting the gold standard for other states.

“By focusing on delivering the best for our community, this parliament came together, pulled together and problem-solved together.

“I pay tribute to Mr Rodney Croome and all others who have campaigned tirelessly for this restorative justice reform, their relentless efforts and achievements cannot be understated.”

However, Ms Webb said there is no time to rest on laurels.

“Sadly, we know time is short for many of those Tasmanians who should benefit from these reforms but who are now elderly.

“I call on the Government to take a proactive approach as soon as possible and actively seek those Tasmanians who suffered so cruelly and wrongly at the hands of the State just because of who they loved and ensure they know these options are available to them.

“That’s the least the State must do – that is the least our fellow Tasmanians deserve.”