Overview

• The final report confirms the R A Rodda Museum retained 177 specimens from coronial autopsies conducted between 1966 and 1991, with some items publicly displayed without family consent.
• Coroner Simon Cooper said previous coroners appeared unaware specimens were transferred to the museum and issued no formal recommendations in his findings.
• The coroner reported that now-deceased forensic pathologist Dr Royal Cummings appears to have supplied the majority of the specimens, noting the practice extended beyond a single individual.
• Remains were removed from display in 2018; about 100 specimens have since been identified and handled according to families’ wishes, with unidentified material respectfully disposed.
• The University of Tasmania issued an apology and said it will consider further actions, while state MP Meg Webb urged compensation and additional accountability.