Final witnesses detail 47 ways ‘fragmented’ Qld DNA lab needs to change

The final two witnesses into an inquiry into the state’s DNA testing have identified 47 ways the service needs to be improved t to bring it back in line with best practices.

Two experienced scientists who conducted a review into Queensland’s embattled DNA lab have identified 47 areas for improvement to bring the service back in line with accepted best practices.

Scientific experts Rebecca Kogios and Heidi Baker identified “significant” issues with workflows at the lab that carried risks including missing opportunities to obtain forensic evidence and the failure to identify contaminated results.

The scientists were the final two witnesses called to give evidence this week as part of the $6 million Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland.

Dr Kogios and Ms Baker were critical of the lab’s current production line model which focused on speed over quality and also flagged concerns about damaged relationships, particularly in relation to trust of the Queensland Police.

They also identified significant problems in the culture of the laboratory, including strained relationships, an inability to resolve scientific differences, a disconnection from the other labs and opaque decision-making.

Dr Rebecca Kogios during a livestream of the QLD DNA inquiry.

Dr Kogios and Ms Baker have made 47 recommendations about ways in which Queensland’s DNA lab can be improved, including a retrospective review of all samples that had been incorrectly reported as ‘DNA insufficient for processing’ and samples reported as “no DNA detected”.

The scientists wrote that the DNA unit had been under “considerable pressure for a sustained period of time” and noted the recommendations arising from their report and from the commission were extensive.

“It is currently in a state of flux, whilst still operational and with key leadership roles currently filled in an acting capacity,” they wrote.

“Revisiting validations, retesting samples, addressing fractured relationships and cultural issues are significant endeavours which cannot be achieved in isolation.”

They urged support from the scientific community and the Queensland Government to help the laboratory move forward.

“We call on the broader Australasian forensic community to support QHFSS (Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services) as it transitions beyond the Commission phase, whether through provision of expertise in statistics, technical support, mentoring, allyship or advice on implementation of any accepted recommendations,” they wrote.

“To that end, it is vital that Queensland Health provide ongoing investment in development of new capability in order to ensure the enduring provision of fit-for purpose forensic services to the State of Queensland.”

Expert witness Heidi Baker speaking during a livestream of the QLD DNA inquiry.

In their report, they observed the FSS staff with whom they interacted were “highly skilled, articulate and intelligent”.

“Our overarching observation was of a staffing cohort genuinely committed to the integrity of their work, and to providing the best possible service to the State of Queensland,” they wrote.

“However, we also noted a fragmented work group, divided allegiances and a lack of trust.”

They said that negative culture was not conducive to best practice science because it inhibited free discussion and improvement.

The bulk of the inquiry’s evidence has now been heard by Commissioner Walter Sofronoff KC.

There will be a further short hearing, likely later this month, for evidence to be heard about the testing of DNA in the Shandee Blackburn murder investigation.

The parties in the matter will then be given time to provide written submissions before Mr Sofronoff prepares his final report.