Streamlining the operation of the Historical Offences Expungement scheme

The Expungement of Historical Offences Amendment Bill 2025 has passed the House of Assembly.

The Bill seeks to improve the expungement scheme which enables charges and convictions for historical offences, including homosexual offences and cross-dressing offences, to be expunged.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Corrections and Rehabilitation, Guy Barnett, said introduction of original expungement scheme was an important step forward for Tasmania.

“Our Government is committed to delivering legislation that helps Tasmanians deal with the challenges that they face with compassion and commonsense,” the Attorney-General said.

“The Bill tabled contains important changes to improve the operation of the Expungement Scheme and provides redress payments for those charged or convicted under the former laws.”

The Expungement of Historical Offences Amendment Bill 2025 responds to the recommendations of the Independent Review of Expungement of Historical Offences Act 2017.

The Final Report of the Independent Review made 13 recommendations and those which required legislative amendment are addressed in this Bill, which will expand and enhance the operation and administration of the Act.

The Bill will now progress to Tasmania’s Upper House.