Vica Bayley seeks explanation on why no charges against doctor over death certificates

The Greens will seek an explanation as to why police say there is insufficient evidence for charges after an in investigation into allegations of false death certificates being issued. Read the latest.

Peter Renshaw.

The Tasmanian Greens will seek an explanation as to why police will not pursue criminal charges against a former hospital executive accused of falsifying death certificates.

Police have confirmed there was insufficient evidence for any charges to be laid.

A police spokeswoman said the final report from the Independent Review of Reportable Deaths and Death Reporting Processes was referred to Tasmania Police and other relevant agencies in July 2024.

“Following a review by Tasmania Police and advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions it was determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed with any criminal charges,” she said.

Deputy Leader of the Tasmanian Greens, Vica Bayley in Parliament. Picture: Linda Higginson

Greens deputy leader Vica Bayley and nurse and whistleblower Amanda Duncan say they are disappointed at the decision.

“We are disappointed for advocates and families of the deceased,” Mr Bayley said.

“We will write to the Minister and follow up with the Police Commissioner to understand this decision, how it was reached and if they consider the issue is now closed.

“At the end of the day, if accountability for these failures doesn’t come through the police and the criminal system, the minister needs to explain where it will occur?”

Amanda Duncan.

Ms Duncan told a parliamentary inquiry last year that she had received 11 reports from doctors and nurses that Dr Peter Renshaw, the hospital’s now retired director of medical services, had falsified death certificates in cases that should have been referred to a coroner.

Dr Renshaw said he was pleased with the outcome of the police investigation.

“I continue to strongly maintain that all LGH death certificates issued either by myself or on my advice were clinically appropriate, based on the best available clinical information, and fully cognisant of the requirements of the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages and the Coroners Act,” he said.

Ms Duncan is distressed by the police decision.

“I was one of the individuals who brought forth evidence in the Tasmanian parliament last year, yet I was not engaged at all by Tasmania Police during their investigation.

“In fact, when I attempted to make a formal police report in February 2024, they made no attempt to gather further information which was at hand, in addition to my evidence in Parliament.”

Health Department secretary Dale Webster said the police investigation was conducted independent of the department and random audits being conducted by a senior doctor and nurse would continue.

An independent inquiry last year referred 29 deaths at the LGH to the coroner after it was found a “serious and sustained departure from expected standards”.

The inquiry was established last February to investigate allegations Dr Renshaw failed to report deaths as required under the Coroner’s Act.