April McLennan
Launceston, TAS
April McLennan is a multi-platform journalist and radio producer. She joined ABC's Northern Tasmania newsroom in 2019 after studying and freelance reporting in Europe. April was named Best New Journalist at the 2022 Tasmanian Media Awards. Follow her on Twitter @AprilMcLennan1
Latest by April McLennan
'I miss him': Son believes treatment at aged care facility 'shortened' his father's life
Leigh is still grieving what happened to his dad, Maurice, and believes the treatment he received while in Tasmanian aged care facilities "shortened" his father's life. Advocates say it is not an isolated story and points to "bigger issues" in the sector.
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Claire planned to have a large family, but a birth injury left her infertile. Hers is one of the stories before an inquiry
By investigative reporter April McLennan
Tasmanian mothers have been speaking out on their birth experiences as part of a parliamentary inquiry investigating maternity services in the state.
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'They ignored me, a whole room full of people': Women speak out about 'abuse' in the birth suite
By investigative reporter April McLennan
An ABC investigation uncovers allegations of mothers undergoing birth procedures without consent or being medicated with antidepressants and feeling like they've been "spiked", despite saying "No".
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Dozens more cases to be investigated over alleged falsifying of death certificates at major Tasmanian hospital
By investigative reporter April McLennan
Last week it was announced six deaths at a major Tasmanian hospital would be investigated over allegations of falsifying death certificates — authorities have now widened the probe to include another 63 deaths.
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Medical licence of ex-hospital boss suspended amid allegations of falsifying death certificates
By investigative reporter April McLennan
The Medical Board of Australia has suspended Dr Peter Renshaw's medical practitioner registration. It comes after an investigation was launched into allegations he falsified death certificates.
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Nurse welcomes investigation into six deaths at major Tasmanian hospital
By investigative reporter April McLennan
Six deaths that occurred inside a major Tasmanian hospital will now be re-examined by the state coroner — with a nurse and midwife instrumental in bringing on the investigation asking: "Why does it take until nurses speak up, for there to be truth, justice, and accountability?"
A 'lead exposure event' forced the partial shut down of Tasmania's metal recycler, now it's trying to start up again
By investigative reporter April McLennan
A northern Tasmanian metal recycling yard had to partially shut down following concerns about lead exposure linked to dust generated by a shredder. Now the company is trying to resume operations.
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Doctor continuing to work in Tasmania despite allegations of sexual misconduct
By investigative reporter April McLennan
A doctor who is understood to be under investigation after sexual misconduct allegations were made against him is still able to work in a Tasmanian hospital. Nurse and midwife Amanda Duncan wants to know why this can happen while the allegations remain unresolved.
'You've booked a Nazi band': The dark side of Aussie metal
Hitler salutes, white supremacy slogans and symbols of hate … insiders say Nazi bands have become an open secret within Australia's metal scene, as fans prepare for the return of major international event Knotfest next month.
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The growing trend of drug use through vaping
Anecdotal evidence and posts on social media suggest using vapes to consume illegal drugs is becoming more popular.
Inside Tasmania's youth detention centre these kids rap for rehabilitation
Children awaiting sentencing can spend up to 23 hours a day locked in a cell inside Tasmania's only youth detention centre, the children's commissioner says.
Former youth detainee says staff turned off fire sprinklers
A former detainee at Ashley Youth Detention Centre claims staff turned off fire sprinklers, leading him to suffer burns and smoke inhalation.
Think you've been spiked? Here's what you should do
There are reports coming from all around the country of people being needle and drink spiked. Here's a guide on what to do if you think you're one of them.
Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson resigns following 'vile attacks, stemming from media reports'
triple j Hack / By April McLennan
Tasmanian mayor Danny Gibson resigns, saying "vile attacks" in media reports have taken a toll on his mental health and have become "a distraction from the important work of the City of Launceston".
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Beau told his mum he'd have 'the best day ever' — it resulted in the biggest trauma of his young life
triple j Hack / April McLennan
Six children died and three were seriously injured when a jumping castle flew 10 metres into the air at Hillcrest Primary school in north-west Tasmania in 2021. Beau Medcraft was one of those who fell.
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Launceston mayor's working-with-children status under review
A Tasmanian mayor, who also works with young people in local theatre, is currently undergoing a review of his working-with-children status by the Department of Justice.
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Elise's boyfriend was violent, abusive and controlling. She was 13 — and thought this was normal
Violence and abuse are prevalent in teenage relationships and this behaviour can have life-long impacts, according to an Anglicare report that calls for governments and communities to do more to protect young people.
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It's been a decade since this Tasmanian town had safe drinking water — now, locals are 'bloody excited'
The town of Pioneer will get a piped supply of drinking water over a decade after its water supply was deemed unfit to drink.
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Aeon went to hospital to escape the 'demons' in their head. They were forcibly restrained
The rate at which patients in public hospital mental health wards are being either held down or tied down has increased sharply outside of the major cities over the past five years.
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'Vlad, he has visa': Ukrainian couple reunited in Perth days before visa deadline
An Australian humanitarian visa scheme for people fleeing Ukraine will end on Sunday, leaving many locked out.
Woman missing since 1978 killed by ex-partner, coroner finds
Tasmanian mother of six, Darlene Avis Geertsema, who disappeared over 40 years ago was killed by her former partner, a coroner finds — with police confirming they will "review the findings".
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Chris wanted to 'cure' his sexuality but now he's calling for conversion practices to be banned
There are calls for Tasmania to ban so-called gay conversion therapy by the end of the year to prevent the island state from becoming a "dumping ground" for the practice — but the Catholic Archbishop has "grave concerns" about what it sees as a "threat to religious freedoms".
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Newborn babies subjected to smoke from smokers' area 'directly below birth suite'
Corrie Summers was with her baby and recovering after an emergency caesarean when cigarette smoke blew into the maternity ward from a nearby park. The hospital says the park is on council land and the Mayor says smoking is legal there — but an expert warns mums could sue if it goes on.
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Inattention likely to blame for deadly Tasmanian holiday crash caught on police body cam
A coroner finds speed, weather and road conditions did not contribute to a deadly crash that left three teenage children in the car orphaned last year.
Trip to Hobart for new mental health patients in Tasmania's north as COVID shuts clinics
Two mental health treatment centres in Tasmania's north have closed due to COVID outbreaks — with a health union blasting what it says is a "lack of planning" and a parent fearing for those desperate for help.