The Tasmania Law Reform Institute (TLRI) has been asked by the Attorney-General to review the Coroners Act 1995 (Tas) and the related rules, procedures and practices. The TLRI is calling for community and expert opinion and invites feedback from members of the community, government and other stakeholders on the questions raised in the Issues Paper.
The coronial system plays a vital role in helping families and the community understand how and why a person died and in identifying ways to prevent similar deaths. This review focuses on how the coronial jurisdiction can fulfil these purposes efficiently, effectively and compassionately.
The Issues Paper examines the operation of the coronial system from the initial reporting of a death through to the coroner’s findings and recommendations. It considers which deaths must be reported, how investigations are initiated, the scope of investigations, the coroner’s powers, and when inquests are held. It also looks at how inquests are conducted, the outcomes that may follow, and how the coronial process can affect bereaved families and others involved. In total, the Issues Paper asks 167 questions.
Please feel free to share this Issues Paper with your networks. All submissions will inform the Institute’s Final Report which will ultimately consider whether reform of the current laws and practices is required and, if so, what form that should take.
The project is being funded by a grant from the Tasmanian Solicitors Guarantee Trust Fund.
The Issues Paper and a submission template can be found on the Tasmania Law Reform website https://www.utas.edu.au/research/institutes-and-centres/tasmania-law-reform-institute
Responses are due by 27 July 2026.
For enquiries, please contact the TLRI on (03) 6226 2069, or email Law.Reform@utas.edu.au