Tasmanian jumping castle case: Parents call for justice as WorkSafe investigation continues

The deadline for any criminal charges over the Tasmanian jumping castle tragedy expires in less than 100 days - angering the parents of the six victims.

The deadline for any criminal charges over the jumping castle tragedy in Tasmania expires in less than 100 days, amid delays in the “unprecedented” investigation.

A legal fight is continuing over the release of the WorkSafe report to Coroner Olivia McTaggart, which has indefinitely delayed the start of an inquest into the deaths of six children at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport.

Under Tasmanian law, charges must be laid within two years of WorkSafe being made aware of an incident.

Parents of the victims say they are frustrated with the delay in making a decision on whether charges should be laid.

This masthead is not suggesting charges should be laid against any company or person.

“It’s like I’m living in slow motion,” a parent of one of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of ongoing legal matters, said.

“We just want justice for our children.”

A second parent said they were frustrated at WorkSafe’s delays, which would drag out the inquest into the incident, as well as the lack of information about whether any criminal charges would be laid.

Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12, who died in the tragedy. Picture: Supplied

Jye Sheehan, 12, also lost his life. Picture: Supplied

But WorkSafe defended the delays saying the investigation was “unprecedented.”

Chace Harrison, 11, Peter Dodt, 12, Addison Stewart, 11, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12, Jye Sheehan, 12, and Zane Mellor, 12 were killed when the Taz-Zorb jumping castle blew away in high winds during end of school year celebrations on December 16, 2021.

The incident shocked Australia and led to an immediate ban on jumping castles in Tasmania.

WorkSafe’s investigation was expected to centre on how many pegs were used to tie down the jumping castle and what processes the school followed.

Staff from jumping castle operator Taz-Zorb and school employees have been interviewed by investigators.

Zane Mellor’s life was also taken in the tragedy. Picture: Supplied

Addison Stewart, 11, will always be remembered. Picture: Supplied

WorkSafe argued against Coroner McTaggart receiving a copy of its report in a court hearing in July.

Justice Gregory Geason has yet to release a decision on whether to hand over the report to the coroner.

WorkSafe Tasmania released a statement to this masthead in response to questions about the delays and whether criminal charges would be laid.

“The investigation was unprecedented in its nature and scope. It involved a number of interviews and addressed a range of duty holders, not just the operator of the inflatable amusement devices,” a statement from the Acting Work Health and Safety Regulator at WorkSafe Tasmania said.

Chace Harrison, 11, was another classmate involved. Picture: Supplied

Peter Dodt, 12, was the other victim. Picture: Supplied

“WorkSafe has referred its investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“The Director will decide whether further investigation is needed and whether to lay charges for any breaches of the Act.”

WorkSafe has met with the families of the victims and “kept them informed”, they added.

Tasmania’s Department of Public Prosecutions declined to comment.