Tasmanian families are being dealt a gut-wrenching blow. In doing so, the Coroner’s Office needed to shed light on the fact that they might’ve retained their loved ones’ remains without their personal or express consent. This quasi-legal environment has led to major concerns about privacy and ownership of sensitive data that still exacerbates today. One example of this family is Alby’s, who is a frequent visitor to his daughter’s grave in Tasmania’s south. His daughter, Anushka, died recently – but tragically at just two years old in the Royal Hobart Hospital 40 years ago.
It’s definitely understandable that Alby is deeply frustrated with the communication that he got from the Coroner’s Office. He went on to call it “heartless.” He feels that a simple phone call wasn’t enough to deliver such earth-shattering news. The news that specimens were rather removed from his daughter’s body in the coronial autopsy crushed him. It has reignited a new wave of grief for him. Alby is understandably still looking for answers about his daughter’s death, and the situation that led to this horrific discovery raises many further questions.
Alby’s Ongoing Struggle for Information
Even with years having passed, Alby still feels stuck in an excruciating loop of doubt and anxiety. He has still not been given full details about her case, especially about the removal of specimens possibly being performed. This failure to communicate has only added to his torment.
Alby is just one of hundreds of people affected by the Coroner’s Office’s failure to protect sensitive information. His case is part of a larger investigation into these practices. He’s detailed his concerns about what this crisis has meant for families like his own. Like us, it’s brought back memories and emotions of loss that all thought were beginning to heal.
“I’ve put it off … It’s going to be more distressing to do that, to relive those memories from 40 years and five months ago,” – Alby
Coroner Simon Cooper has been sensitive to the impact this announcement will have on families who are in receipt of distressing news. He characterized Alby’s experience as a “complex and painful process.”
Systemic Concerns Raised by Advocacy
The public outcry over this debacle has caught the notice of independent Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Meg Webb. She brought Alby’s case to the forefront to demonstrate how sharply the Coroner’s Office treats delicate details. She pushed back and stressed the importance of oversight on these types of maneuvers.
Webb exacts some much needed accountability. He continues, “We require solutions as to how this was allowed to transpire, who is accountable and who was meant to supervise these conditions.” She argues that there needs to be accountability. That’s the difficult but necessary question we need to answer—were laws broken or standards violated in the execution of these processes.
“It’s come as a real shock … and it’s really brought up a lot of trauma for many families,” – Meg Webb
From Dr. Dominique Martin, a fierce advocate for consent. She urges more careful consultation when dealing with the remains of dead bodies. She makes the case that families should be educated and consulted before any decisions are made about what happens to their loved ones’ remains.
Changes Implemented by the Coroner’s Office
Recognizing these troubling trends, the Coroner’s Office has begun to take an innovative approach to their work. They’ve improved their webpage. Now, one simple online form has streamlined the process for families to submit information while gaining access to a wide array of available support services. Coroner Cooper has been candid in discussing the obstacles his office has encountered in responding to these difficult, emerging issues.
“It has been and remains a significant task for the Coronial Division, whose staff have worked diligently and efficiently to progress the matter,” – Mr Cooper
Quick to clarify, Cooper stated that no county morgue coroner ordered specimens removed in the autopsy. He went on to say, “Both current and past coroners and the staff of the Coroner’s Office were unaware of the remains.” He expects to publish more information on these issues over the next few months as research continues.
“I anticipate publishing further information, in the form of a finding under the Coroners Act 1995 within the next few months, when all investigations are complete,” – Mr Cooper
Alby’s story illustrates an urgent need. There is a critical need to improve our approach for handling sensitive information about dead people. This scenario points to the very real importance of compassion. It really hammers home the point of communication being key when helping families in times of loss.
