AIS Water
AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…
read moreAn inquest into the 2021 deaths of six Tasmanian children in a jumping castle tragedy cannot begin as a result of WorkSafe Tasmania refusing to release its investigation.
The children died in December 2021 when a jumping castle was blown into the air during an end-of-year celebration at the Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport.
Three other students suffered serious injuries.
However, during a pre-inquest hearing on Wednesday morning it was revealed WorkSafe Tasmania is refusing to provide its report to the Coroner because it believes it will prejudice "any potential prosecutions" under work, health and safety laws.
Coroner Olivia McTaggart said the decision was "unfortunate" and adjourned the inquest pending an appeal in the Tasmanian Supreme Court in April.
Explaining that because she did not have expert opinion and engineer reports, she could not properly investigate, Coroner McTaggart advised “they are crucial to issues such as causation.
"In the absence of that material, the inquest cannot proceed."
Coroner McTaggart had previously hoped the inquest would be heard in the first half of this year.
ABC Tasmania reported that Coroner McTaggart and lawyers representing families of the children will appeal to have the WorkSafe documents released.
Counsel assisting Leigh Mackey told a Coronial update last year that a powerful "mini tornado, a wind devil or similar" lifted the jumping castle into the air, resulting in the deaths of five children on the castle and one child who was waiting in line for an activity.
Three children playing in inflatable zorb balls were seriously injured but survived.
Two other children playing on the jumping castle also survived.
Sam Thompson, who was representing WorkSafe Tasmania, yesterday told the Coroner the decision to not disclose the report was "most regrettable".
Advising that an initial investigation into the tragedy had been completed, he stated that the investigation report “is large and has been referred to the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions).
He also noted that a second "supplementary investigation" was ongoing and in its early stages.
He added that not disclosing the reports was for the "importance of protection".
The Court heard any decision to prosecute in the matter would need to be made by 16th December this year.
In a statement, WorkSafe Tasmania said its investigation file contained 40,000 documents, which had been given to the DPP "for a decision to be made whether any charges should be laid".
Work Health and Safety Regulator Robyn Pearce said it was not common for an inquest to precede a prosecution in Tasmania, commenting “this investigation is unprecedented in its nature and scope.”
Coroner McTaggart said she hoped the inquest could be back before Court in "two to three months" but did set a new court date.
She added “there is no question that as soon as any prosecution has been completed, we will commence the inquest.”
Image: Six children died in a jumping castle incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport in 2021.
14th February 2023 - Yet to be sentenced bouncy castle arsonist lives in ‘constant fear’ while in prison cell
10th February 2023 - Small Business Ombudsman continues to back AALARA’s DMF plans for the amusement and attractions industry
30th January 2023 - AALARA releases 2023 conference program
19th October 2022 - Tragedy of Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle deaths acknowledged by Tasmanian Coroner
29th August 2022 - Wittingslow Amusements owner refuses to give evidence at inquest into child’s 2017 ride death
18th March 2022 - World’s largest inflatable theme park continues tour of Australian cities
4th February 2022 - AALARA sets up Safe Operation of Inflatables Sub Committee
30th December 2021 - Workplace Health and Safety Queensland issues reminder on key safety controls for landborne inflatables
20th December 2021 - Sixth child dies as a result of Tasmanian jumping castle tragedy as operator shuts down website
17th December 2021 - Tasmanian authorities introduce schools jumping castle ban
16th December 2021 - Five children dead after inflatable jumping castle blown into air at Tasmanian school
28th October 2021 - Former jumping castle business owner pleads guilty to arson campaign charges
26th August 2021 - ASTM International Standard for inflatable attractions to be adopted into 2024 International Fire Code
16th June 2021 - Royal Adelaide Show death inquest told of ‘glaring issue’ with ride reporting processes
4th February 2020 - WorkSafe Queensland prosecution results in $50,000 fine following inflatable amusement ride injury
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…
read moreSLE Worldwide Australia is a Managing General Underwriter specialising in insuring risks in the world of Sports, Leisure and Entertainment. Be it relaxing, playing, organising or watching sports,…
read moreABOUT SPORTENG specialises in the Planning, Design and Construction inspection of Fields of Play for all sports. Blending engineering with the specialist knowledge gained from working closely with…
read moreAnti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…
read moreAs of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as Vivaticket Pty Ltd. Vivaticket is the ideal strategic partner for the organisation and management of your…
read moreBODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…
read moreSwimplex Aquatics are a world-class company dedicated to the commercial pool, waterslide industry. We are Australian market leaders servicing all states Australia wide. Swimplex provide a full…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!