An investigation is underway as to whether body parts from previous coronial autopsies were held in a museum in Tasmania without the consent of families. 

The R.A. Rodda Museum of Pathology at the University of Tasmania is alleged to have collected and held specimens potentially retained following the autopsies.

In a statement released today, Tasmania's Coroner's Office said the issue was first flagged in February 2016.

READ MORE: Samantha Mostyn will be Australia's next Governor-General

"The existence of these specimens has now been confirmed and formally reported under the provisions of the Coroners Act 1995, and the coroner has now commenced a formal investigation," the statement reads.

"Initial records provided indicate that the collection of specimens began in 1953 and ceased in 1985 and relate to 147 persons.

"It is unclear whether this occurred with the knowledge or consent of family members."

READ MORE: Browsing in incognito mode doesn't protect you as much as you might think

The Coroner's Office told 9news.com.au it was unable to make further comment at this stage as an investigation is currently underway.

The R.A. Rodda Museum of Pathology was established in 1966 as a teaching and research facility, according to the University of Tasmania's website.

Its collection includes "diseased organs from samples collected primarily through autopsies" and "surgical specimens" which are housed in the University's School of Medicine.

Around 2700 specimens representing every organ system of the body is on display, the website said.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, celebrity and sport via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.

‘Our people also want to know whether we can trust the crown in these matters.’

There’s been an avalanche of demand for kai, but not enough money coming in to help.

He has now been censured and ordered to pay a fine for the misconduct.

Police found the injured woman at an address in nearby Greenhithe.

A man charged with murder after a woman's body was found in an inner-Brisbane unit will remain in custody.

Steven Rhain Pinker, 42, was arrested about 1pm on Tuesday after police found the body of a 66-year-old West Australian woman in a Brunswick Street unit in Fortitude Valley.

The dead woman was related to Pinker and he was charged with one count of murder as a domestic violence offence.

READ MORE: Murder charge after woman found dead inside a unit in Brisbane

The Fortitude Valley man was not required to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, when the case was first heard.

Pinker's solicitor said he was in the court's hands as to when the matter would next be heard for a committal mention.

"Given the nature of the charges, obviously there's no application for bail," the solicitor said.

Only the Supreme Court can grant bail for a murder charge in Queensland.

Police prosecutor Lauren Archer said she would start work on a brief of evidence and sought an adjournment of three or four weeks.

Magistrate Colin Strofield adjourned the matter until April 29 and remanded Pinker in custody.

Pinker was also excused from appearing in-person at the next court mention.

National Domestic Violence Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Two men have appeared in court over an alleged stabbing on Te Ngae Rd.

A person has died in a fatal accident at Kauri, north of Whangārei.

It’s expected charter schools will be open from the start of 2025.

The UN is worried the country's rural areas will not be able to cope with the influx of refugees.