LNP calls for Yvette D’Ath to be sacked over DNA testing bungle
The Opposition has called for Health Minister Yvette D’Ath to be sacked in the wake of a damning report into the state’s DNA testing.
QLD Politics
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The Opposition has called for Health Minister Yvette D’Ath to be sacked in the wake of a bombshell interim report into the failings of the state-run DNA laboratory, as a major union pushes for a full audit of reporting done by Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services.
On Tuesday it was revealed thousands of cases will be re-examined after an inquiry led by esteemed retired judge Walter Sofronoff found the FSS did not test for DNA below a certain threshold, between 2018 and June of this year.
Deputy Leader Jarrod Bleijie blasted Ms D’Ath, saying Queenslanders “cannot have confidence (she) is the one to be able to sort this out”.
“Yvette D’Ath should be sacked from Cabinet – there is no ifs, there is no buts. Annastacia Palaszczuk should sack Yvette D’Ath from her Cabinet,” he said.
“They say now … we’ve stood down two public servants. Two public servants, for the biggest maladministration that we have seen in a generation in this state, is not going to cut it.
“It’s time for the Minister to go.”
Statements issued the FSS which stated the “DNA insufficient for further processing” and samples which included “no DNA detected” will now be reviewed.
Earlier this week Ms D’Ath described the interim report as “extremely serious” and admitted the incorrect statements “can lead to the potential miscarriage of justice”.
A taskforce would be established to identify how many DNA samples would need to undergo testing.
Mr Bleijie’s comments come as the Together Union has pushed for a full audit of reporting at the FSS, with Branch Secretary Alex Scott saying staff had faced workload pressures for a number of years and not only with regards to the DNA lab.
“QHFSS is underfunded and the staff are overworked. The state government’s artificial staffing cap is hurting the Service’s ability to deliver for Queensland’s justice system,” he said Friday.
“We’re calling for a full audit of reporting at QHFSS. It has been plagued by workload and culture problems for many years and the problems are not confined to DNA testing.”
Last year the union took Queensland Health to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission over issues related to the illicit drug testing area of the service, with Mr Scott saying understaffing had led to high workloads and a testing backlog.
But he also said recommendations made by the ongoing review would put further pressure on staff workloads.
“In order for these important and necessary changes to be made, the employer must increase the number of permanent staff at QHFSS,” Mr Scott said.
In response to the LNP’s comments Deputy Premier Steven Miles said Ms D’Ath’s job was “very much” safe.
“I understand the LNP is out there calling for people to be sacked today,” he said.
“That seems to be their answer for everything – they’re always wanting to sack someone.
“This is a matter that is very serious and is being properly investigated and we should let that process run its course.”
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