Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk calls for Commission of Inquiry into state’s forensic investigations

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced there will be a new Commission of Inquiry into the state’s forensic and scientific services following the reopening of the coroner’s investigation into the death of Shandee Blackburn.

A Commission of Inquiry will be launched into DNA testing at Queensland’s Forensic and Scientific Services.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queenslanders needed to have the utmost confidence in the service which was she was taking this action.

Ms Palaszczuk acknowledged concerns had been raised in the DNA service, which is used to solve crimes across the state.

She pointed to a submission Queensland police made last week about the thresholds for DNA testing.

“Concerns have been raised and this had led to the establishment of the independent review,” the Premier said.

“But the additional information put forward by Queensland police elevate the seriousness of those concerns, prompting the need for the Commission of Inquiry.”

“What I’m saying is fresh evidence came to light in terms of a further submission from the Queensland Police Service that we saw last week,” she said.

“But also too, I want to pay tribute to the range of voices out there I know has been very personally involved in this case, as well.”

She said the findings of the inquiry could be thought of as a “legacy” for the family of murdered Mackay woman Shandee Blackburn.

The Commission of Inquiry is expected to take about six months.

The government says the Terms of Reference for the inquiry will be done in consultation with the Commissioner, who will be former President of the Court of Appeal Walter Sofronoff.

Ms Palaszczuk said Mr Sofronoff would leave no stone unturned.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: Zak Simmonds

She has promised to accept any recommendations made by the Commission of Inquiry, which will be funded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Ms Palaszcuzk said the inquiry was “a big step”.

Asked why the Cabinet had waited so long to institute the inquiry, despite concerns being raised over a long timeframe, she said it was “a fresh day”.

“Today is a fresh day and it’s a fresh day because, I believe, we have the most experienced person in Walter Sofronoff has said that he will come on board and do this commission of inquiry.”

She said Mr Sofronoff would “not leave any stone unturned”.

“He will of course understand that there are victims of seuxal assault.

“It will be handled in a sensitive manner.”

Ms Palaszczuk said she would accept his recommendations.

The Terms of Reference for the inquiry will be done in consultation with the Commissioner, who will be former President of the Court of Appeal Walter Sofronoff. Photographer: Liam Kidston

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said figures highlighted by the Queensland Police Service regarding the amount of samples that came back with insufficient DNA identified

and that there could be further DNA found if further testing was done.

“She said those figures were “quite concerning”.

“The key thing with broadening this review is not just looking at the systems … but if there are any failures, what are they and why have they occurred,” she said.

Ms D’Ath said the commission of inquiry would be delving into complex matters and would have six months to do its work, although a report earlier would be welcomed.