A coronial inquest into the tragic deaths of six children at Hillcrest Primary School in Tasmania may not commence until over five years after the incident, according to a recent court hearing.
During proceedings in Hobart, it was expressed that there remains “hope” for the inquest to initiate before the five-year anniversary of the tragedy, which falls on December 16 this year. Another case management hearing regarding the inquest is scheduled for late May.
The incident occurred during end-of-year celebrations when a sudden gust of wind lifted a jumping castle, resulting in the deaths of Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, and Chace Harrison, as well as serious injuries to three other students.
In the Devonport Magistrates Court, Coroner Olivia McTaggart noted that while the exact date for the inquest has not been established, there is a possibility it could occur this year.
A significant number of attendees, including victims’ family members and their legal representatives, participated in the court session, both in person and via video link. Many had already witnessed over two weeks of forensic details presented during a criminal trial related to the case.
Rosemary Gamble, the owner of the business that provided the jumping castle, was acquitted last June of failing to uphold her work health and safety obligations.
The coronial inquest, which was initially underway prior to the criminal investigation, was postponed until the latter concluded. Maree Norton SC, the counsel assisting the coroner, informed the court that all parties involved in the inquest have received pertinent documents.
These documents include 500 exhibits and 2,700 individual files, with some being disclosed for the first time, highlighting the significance of this information release.
Norton further elaborated on the intended scope of the inquest and potential witnesses, clarifying that these details may evolve. The inquest aims to investigate the circumstances surrounding each child’s death and to formulate recommendations to avert similar tragedies in the future.
Proposed areas of inquiry include the setup and operation of the jumping castle, any guidance provided by its manufacturer, East Inflatables, adherence to Australian standards, and the weather conditions on the day of the incident.
Norton indicated that expert witnesses relevant to these aspects would likely be summoned, with the initial witness list comprising 16 individuals expected to expand as the inquest progresses. She emphasized that there is minimal factual disagreement regarding the events of that day, thus eyewitnesses will not be called to testify.
Despite much of the information being addressed during the criminal trial, Norton reiterated that the inquest serves a distinct function and is not merely a repetition of the previous proceedings. Other party lawyers expressed the need for time to review the disclosed materials and the proposed scope of the inquest, although no major concerns were raised.
Norton requested that the parties submit any additional expert evidence they might wish to present and mentioned the possibility of needing to reinflate the jumping castle for examination.
Coroner McTaggart acknowledged that the reinflation and inspection process could introduce delays in the inquest schedule. However, Norton expressed optimism that the inquest could commence within the next nine months, aiming for a start this year.
She also raised concerns over potential spatial limitations within the Devonport courtroom, given the expected number of attendees. The Paranaple convention centre may serve as an alternative venue if all parties agree that it is appropriate for the inquest.
Depending on availability, the inquest proceedings might need to be divided into sessions. McTaggart has instructed all parties to submit any necessary documents by May 6 and has adjourned the inquest until another case management hearing set for May 28 in Hobart.
