Lawyer and Labor congratulate Attorney-General on history-making inquest intervention

An “unheard-of” intervention by Tasmania’s Attorney-General into the inquest of Jari Wise has been lauded by a key lawyer acting in the case.

Shadow Attorney-General Ella Haddad has congratulated Elise Archer on the inquest intervention.

An “unheard-of” intervention by Tasmania’s Attorney-General into the inquest of Jari Wise has been lauded by a key lawyer acting in the case.

On Thursday, Elise Archer overturned a Supreme Court decision, made just hours earlier, not to compel an inquest into Mr Wise’s controversial 2020 death.

It’s understood to be the first time in Tasmania such a direction has ever been made.

The Department of Justice confirmed it “was not aware” of a similar move by any Tasmanian Attorney-General in the past.

The extraordinary move came after years of campaigning by Mr Wise’s mother, Faith Tkalac.

“The Attorney-General’s intervention is welcome and appropriate. It is essential that when a person dies by violent means, we understand fully the circumstances attending their death,” Ms Tkalac’s lawyer Fabiano Cangelosi said.

“It’s to be hoped that the complete picture of what took place emerges through the coronial process.”

Mr Cangelosi described the unusual development as “unheard of”.

Shadow Attorney-General Ella Haddad also welcomed the news, noting Labor had supported Ms Tkalac’s calls for a coronial inquest, and hoped the process would bring closure to Mr Wise’s family.

“Jari’s family has been fighting for this to allow evidence not previously considered to be brought forward, heard and considered,” she said.

“In particular, Jari’s mother Faith has shown enormous strength throughout this time … we congratulate the Attorney-General on making the right decision.”

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