A Tasmanian museum stored and displayed human remains for decades without the knowledge or consent of families, an inquiry has found.
According to The Guardian, the University of Tasmania’s RA Rodda Museum received 177 specimens taken during autopsies between 1966 and 1991 for teaching and research. Coroner Simon Cooper said earlier officials appeared unaware the material had been passed to the museum.
The issue came to light in 2016, when the curator raised concerns about human remains being kept without permission. The remains were taken off display in 2018.
In January, the names of 126 people whose remains were identified were published online. Cooper said 100 specimens have since been returned or disposed of according to families’ wishes, while unidentified remains were respectfully buried.
“The … discovery that human remains were removed from autopsy and not returned to the body has been a source of pain for many families,” Cooper said. He called the practice “offensive to contemporary standards” and “inconceivable.”
The university’s deputy vice-chancellor for health, Professor Graeme Zosky, apologized and said staff had met with families seeking answers. “We are deeply sorry for the sadness and hurt caused,” he said, adding the university would review the findings.
Independent MP Meg Webb described the report as “appalling” and “deeply shocking,” and said compensation and further action should be considered.
