29 August 2025

LAW CHANGE SET TO SHED LIGHT ON EDEN’S DEATH

Amber Wilson

The Westbrook family has “poked the bear” to create a key change in Tasmanian law that might help prove their daughter was murdered.

But the relentless efforts by the St Helens family could also help other grieving families looking for answers in the future.

It is expected that a Bill tabled by Attorney-General Guy Barnett, which gives next of kin access to coronial records including autopsy photos and reports in certain cases, will be enacted in parliament this year.

Once the law is brought in, Jason and Amanda Westbrook – the parents of Eden Westbrook, who tragically died in 2015 – will finally get answers they believe could help prove their daughter did not die by suicide, as long held by Tasmanian authorities.

“We had no choice but to ask questions and to poke the bear,” Mr Westbrook said, noting a number of “anomalies” in Eden’s police investigation and coronial findings.

“By poking the bear, it created change for Tasmania, for the better. It’s not just for us, it’s bigger than just Eden.”

He said other families who questioned the police or coronial investigation into a loved one’s death had previously had doors “shut in your face”.

“We’ve spoken to many families in Tasmania that have tried to get autopsy photos and have been denied. This gives them an opportunity for a third party professional to have a look and see if something is wrong.”

In the Westbrook’s case, that third party professional is independent consultant forensic pathologist Byron Collins, who was previously refused access to Eden’s autopsy photos – which he said had never occurred before in his career.

Mrs Westbrook said it was believed Eden’s autopsy photos would depict injuries inconsistent with death by hanging suicide, including a fractured cricoid, or voice box.

“It should have raised alarm bells,” she said.

Mr Barnett tabled the Bill after speaking with the Westbrooks, with a stipulation the Coronial Division provide the materials within 28 days of receiving a request.

He told parliament the Bill was aimed at ensuring “transparency, accountability and public confidence in our justice system” and to help to provide closure for bereaved families.

The Bill was reintroduced to parliament last Tuesday, on its first sitting day, and it is expected the government will move ahead on passing the legislation as a matter of priority.