Tasmania’s justice system is grappling with a severe backlog of court cases, a situation senior lawyers have described as a “crisis,” according to a recent ABC News report. The delays mean some routine criminal matters are taking years to be finalised, placing significant strain on victims, witnesses, and accused individuals.

Recent figures confirm the growing pressure on the state’s courts. The backlog of cases in the Supreme Court of Tasmania climbed from 711 in the 2020/21 financial year to 912 in 2024/25, as noted in the court’s latest annual report. The report also highlighted a 72% growth in criminal lodgements over the past four years.

The issue extends to the Magistrates Courts, which recorded a criminal case clearance rate of just 79.6 per cent in 2024–25, a figure the Community & Public Sector Union described as “well below most other jurisdictions”.

The Tasmanian Government has acknowledged the problem. In March 2026, Attorney-General Guy Barnett described court delays as having “real and lasting impacts, including on victim-survivors”. He stated that while various strategies have been implemented, “ongoing pressures remain and require a sustained, system-wide response”.

To address the issue, the state government has appointed Mr Lloyd Babb SC to conduct an independent review of the backlogs, with a final report expected by 30 June 2026. The review is focused on finding practical solutions to improve efficiency and ensure timely outcomes. Public consultation for the review was held in March and April.

Compounding the problem is a shortage of criminal lawyers in the state, according to a University of Tasmania report cited by AAP News. The Law Society of Tasmania has pointed to issues like inadequate legal aid funding and outdated court systems as contributing factors that make it difficult to retain legal professionals. Law Society President Amelia Higgs told AAP News the situation should be a “wake-up call” for the government.

The original report from ABC News, which highlighted the personal toll of these delays, can be read on their website.