Recommendations target disclosure processes, workforce capability, information technology
The Tasmanian government has announced the publication of the final report for the third-party review of backlogs in the state’s court system, with 20 recommendations seeking to help decrease backlogs, promote timeliness, and resolve criminal matters earlier.
The recommendations specifically targeted disclosure processes, court procedure, legal assistance services, workforce capability, system resourcing, information technology, and longer-term monitoring and oversight of criminal justice system performance.
The final report, provided to Tasmania’s attorney-general on 30 June 2026, intends to inform the state government’s efforts to reform and improve Tasmania’s justice sector and court system.
According to a news release from the Tasmanian Department of Justice, Lloyd Babb conducted the third-party review, which centred on the state’s criminal justice system.
The review also aimed to delve into the contributors to delays in Tasmania’s courts and to find practical opportunities to help court matters proceed and conclude in a timely fashion.
Guy Barnett – Tasmania’s deputy premier, attorney-general, and justice minister – commissioned the review in January 2026. Barnett announced on 18 March 2026 that Babb had commenced the public consultation period, which wrapped up on 15 April 2026.
Babb’s third-party review included consultation with stakeholders within the justice sector. According to information on the state justice department’s website, he directly consulted with 64 stakeholders and considered 24 written submissions.
Babb is an Australian barrister whose experience has spanned criminal law, prosecution, and justice system administration. He served as director of public prosecutions in New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
On 22 July 2026, the New South Wales government announced Babb’s appointment as deputy president and judicial member of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.
Here are some other recent news stories focusing on Tasmania’s legal and judicial landscape.
Last July, Barnett announced the Tasmanian government’s establishment of the Judicial Council of Tasmania, headed by Christopher Shanahan, Tasmania’s chief justice. The council opened to receiving complaints upon the commencement of the Judicial Commissions Act 2024 on 1 July 2026.
In October 2025, the Law Society of Tasmania announced the election of Amelia Higgs – a council member beginning in 2021 and chair of its employment, diversity, and inclusion committee from 2017–23 – as its new president, effective 11 October 2025.
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