Tasmanians are being invited to share their views as part of a review of the state’s coronial laws and how the coronial process operates.
The Tasmania Law Reform Institute has been asked by the Attorney-General to review the Coroners Act 1995 (Tas) and related rules, procedures and practices of the Magistrates Court (Coronial Division).
The Institute has released an issues paper to support public consultation. It outlines how the coronial system works, the questions being asked in the review, and invites feedback on practical improvements - particularly for people who have had contact with the coronial process.
“The coronial system plays a vital role for families and for the wider community, helping people understand how and why a person died, and identifying ways similar deaths may be prevented,” Institute Principal Research Fellow Dr Rebecca Bradfield said.
The review has been commissioned in the context of changing community expectations about the coronial process, a rise in the number and complexity of reportable cases, and advances in forensic and medical testing used in coronial investigations.
The Institute will consider whether changes to the law or court practices could strengthen the role in prevention played by the coronial system, improve information and support for families and others, and enhance the operation of the Magistrates Court (Coronial Division).
It will also consider how Tasmania’s coronial laws and practices compare with approaches in other Australian jurisdictions.
“We understand the coronial system has affected many Tasmanians in different ways, and we encourage people to share their experiences and suggestions to help us learn from them as a community,” Dr Bradfield said.
The Institute is seeking input from people with personal experience of the coronial process, professionals who work with the system, subject-matter experts (including clinicians, lawyers and counsellors), community organisations, and other members of the public.
“We want to hear what works well and what could be improved - for example, how information is provided to families, how investigations into deaths are conducted, and what supports are needed for people navigating the process,” Institute Senior Research Fellow Dr Nina Hudson said.
The issues paper includes 167 questions to guide submissions, and respondents are welcome to comment on some or all of them. Responses can be provided confidentially.
Submissions close on Monday 27 July 2026. The Institute will consider all feedback and publish a final report with recommendations.
How to make a submission: A phased consultation process will commence with the release of the issues paper seeking written submissions. The issues paper and submission template are available at https://www.utas.edu.au/research/institutes-and-centres/tasmania-law-reform-institute. Submissions can also be emailed to law.reform@utas.edu.au, or mailed to Tasmania Law Reform Institute, PO Box 844, Sandy Bay, Tas 7006. Other consultation phases will follow.
Answering questions for this study might leave you wanting to discuss things with someone. If so, you might like to contact Beyond Blue (ph: 1300 22 4636) or Headspace (ph: 1800 650 890).