Police union wants more time before Tasmania’s taser trial

A 12-month taser trial set to rollout in Tasmania has been welcomed by the union, but there is a sticking point.

Tasmania Police Constable Paul Bennett fires a Taser weapon.

The state government is under fire from the police union over the timing of a trial of the use of tasers.

Police Minister Felix Ellis announced in May that there would be a 12-month trial of tasers from July 1 by up to 50 frontline officers.

Police Association of Tasmania president Shane Tilley welcomed the government’s decision to trial tasers for frontline officers, however, he expressed serious concerns over the starting date and the lack of planning surrounding its implementation.

Mr Tilley said there was a “distinct lack of detail” surrounding critical elements such as the business plan, costings, training requirements, and procurement process.

Shane Tilley, president of the Police Association of Tasmania at the offices in New Town on Sunday 25th May 2025. Picture: Linda Higginson

“This announcement — albeit a very positive outcome for our members in terms of another less-than-lethal force option — is just another example of Minister Ellis’s willingness to capture headlines without having too much skin in the game,” he said.

“It is more likely that these trials will commence in September or October.”

Mr Tilley said he believed it would take up to 12 weeks to procure taser devices and a further five weeks to train up to 60 police officers in its use.

As well, he said significant background work was needed to ensure that Tasmania avoided the missteps seen in other jurisdictions.

In New South Wales, a police was found guilty of the 2023 manslaughter of 95-year-old great grandmother Clare Nowland, an aged care resident.

Mr Ellis said on Sunday the government was committed to “providing our police with the tools needed to keep the community safe”.

“The Budget includes funding to enable the trial to commence, and preparations are now underway with procurement being undertaken and two members already being appointed as trainers,” Mr Ellis said.

“Tasmania Police are finalising the policy, procedures and training package so frontline officers can commence training as soon as possible.”

Generic police taser.

When he announced the taser trial Mr Ellis said: “Our police on the beat put their lives on the line every day they go to work, and these investments will give them greater confidence to go about their day – and keep Tasmanians safe.”

He said tasers would bring Tasmania in line with all other Australian jurisdictions.

Mr Tilley was critical more was not being done to address an increase in police workers’ compensation cases and police management’s decision to discard a new “nation-leading” roster.

“We are now seeing workers compensation figures rise to nearly 16 per cent, placing further financial strain on the Government and serious pressure on those police left behind.

“It is deeply concerning that the Minister is prioritising a new use-of-force option while continuing to ignore the root causes behind rising sick leave and resignations.”

Australian Lawyers Alliance spokesman Greg Barns SC said: “Tasers can cause death. They are preferable to guns but there has to be independent scrutiny of their use.”

Originally published as Police union wants more time before Tasmania’s taser trial