Qld’s forensics issue addressed 17 years ago

A report detailing Queensland’s failure to properly collect forensic evidence of sexual assault victims in a timely manner has found the government did not action previous recommendations addressing the same broken system back in 2005.

A report detailing Queensland’s failure to properly collect forensic evidence of sexual assault victims in a timely manner has found that the government did not action previous recommendations addressing the same broken system back in 2005.

Women's Safety and Justice Taskforce chairwoman Margaret McMurdo. Picture: Rae Wilson

Margaret McMurdo handed down 188 recommendations in her ‘Hear Her Voice’ report on Friday, including the recommendation to establish a statewide forensic service that would provide Queenslanders timely and high-quality forensic medical services.

The report detailed existing problems within Queensland’s forensic processes, specifically its DNA laboratory, but stated that a 2005 ministerial review had already made 65 recommendations which “do not appear to be delivered”.

When asked why the recommendations hadn’t been actioned over the past seven years, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath admitted she had not yet read the report.

“I haven’t had a briefing in relation to what’s come out of the most recent report. But as everyone is aware, we’ve got a comprehensive review going on into the forensic services right now and I will await the finding of that report,” Ms D’Ath said.

“And I have no doubt they’ll also look at previous recommendations and what has been implemented and what has not and why.”

The independent assessment of Queensland’s forensic DNA services, headed by Justice Walter Sofronoff, was launched in May 2022, with a report to be handed down by December 13 this year.