Qld DNA lab rebuild continues with $100m committed, 30 scientists recruited

Nearly 30 scientists have been recruited and $100m in extra funding allocated to rebuild Queensland’s scandal-plagued forensic lab.

Forensic Science Queensland CEO Linzi Wilson-Wilde. Picture: Liam Kidston

Queensland’s forensic lab has recruited nearly 30 scientists to rebuild the scandal-plagued state-run facility as the government commits almost another $100 million to deliver critical reforms.

The first progress report to track the transformation of the embattled lab in the aftermath of a commission of inquiry reveals more than 70 per cent of the recommendations are either completed or under way.

The state’s forensic service was plunged into scandal following revelations the lab had dismissed thousands of DNA samples from crimes including murder and rape based on an extraordinary application of an arbitrary threshold for testing.

A high profile inquiry, led by Walter Sofronoff KC, ordered the review of samples reported as being DNA insufficient, which The Courier-Mail revealed in June was related to 30,000 cases.

“This investment will provide the necessary capacity to conduct historical reviews of 30,000 cases to determine whether further DNA testing or interpretation may be appropriate,” Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said.

The inquiry’s final report, handed down in December, exposed flawed forensic testing procedures that had a devastating impact on the criminal justice system.

All 123 recommendations were accepted by the state government with the latest investment taking the total cost to repair the lab to about $200m so far.

The progress report, expected to be tabled today, shows the practice of pausing further processing of DNA samples at a certain threshold has ceased.

Other recommendations so far initiated are the establishment of the Forensic Services Queensland with an interim advisory body and expert sub committee, while improved standards have been enacted under the leadership of chief executive Linzi Wilson-Wilde and senior leadership.

The remaining recommendations yet to be implemented include long-term reforms dependent on legislation to be passed in parliament as well as forensic science infrastructure and managing the impacts on the criminal justice system.

Rebuilding the lab also requires support from an extensive recruitment drive, with 27 scientists so far added to the team as Professor Wilson-Wilde says increased funds will help the service tackle the enormous number of samples needing to be tested.

“We have prioritised building a suitably skilled workforce, including a strong leadership team, and implementing processes that will ensure forensic DNA samples are tested to the highest standards,” she said.

“This additional investment will provide the capacity needed to reduce the time it takes for testing on matters before the courts and to work through the cases that are identified as requiring retesting.”

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said Queenslanders must have confidence in the justice system.

“We have already seen significant work carried out, including the identification of serious offenders,” she said.

“There is clearly a lot of work to be done, but this is a wonderful start.”