Media release – Elise Archer, Attorney General, 4 May 2023
Attorney-General to direct Jari Wise coronial inquest
Today, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in relation to the application by Ms Faith Tkalac under section 26(2) of the Coroners Act 1995 which sought an order that the Coroner hold an inquest into the death of Mr Jari Wise.
The Court has determined not to make an order that an inquest be held.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Elise Archer, was necessarily a party to the proceedings.
“As Attorney-General, part of my role is non-political to act in the public interest, including taking steps to assist the Court to make a decision in circumstances where there is only one party. It was necessary for me to be a party to these proceedings to act in the public interest to assist the Court to make a decision given these circumstances existed,” the Attorney-General said.
“I am deeply concerned and acknowledge the impact of these proceedings on the family and friends of Mr Wise.
“As a party to the proceedings and given that the matter was already listed before the Court, it was appropriate for me to wait for the Court to make a determination.
“I have personally monitored the Court’s proceedings and have given careful consideration to this matter while awaiting the Court’s decision.
“In light of that consideration, and following today’s Supreme Court decision, I have determined to exercise my powers under s 24(1)(g) of the Coroners Act to direct the Coroner to hold an inquest into the death of Mr Wise.
“I have not made this decision lightly, but it is my sincere belief that this will assist Mr Wise’s loved ones to find the answers that they seek.”
Media release – Ella Haddad MP, Shadow Attorney General, 4 May 2023
Labor welcomes Jari Wise inquest
Tasmanian Labor welcomes the Attorney General’s intervention in the Jari Wise case, directing the coroner to hold an inquest into Jari’s death in 2020.
Labor has been calling for a coronial inquest, which would go some way to giving Jari’s grieving family some of the closure they seek and have the right to.
Jari’s family has been fighting for this to allow evidence not previously considered to be brought forward, heard and considered.
In particular, Jari’s mother Faith has shown enormous strength throughout this time. Faith’s calls for a coronial inquest have been supported by myself and the Tasmanian Labor Party and we congratulate the Attorney General on making the right decision.
Ultimately, nothing will bring Jari back, but a coronial inquest will provide Jari’s family and loved ones with some closure.
