Top forensic scientist resigns amid DNA contamination scandal
A top forensic scientist has stepped down just weeks after being suspended over serious testing concerns.
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Queensland’s top forensic scientist has resigned just weeks after she was suspended over fears DNA evidence may have been compromised at the state’s forensic laboratory.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington confirmed on Friday that Linzi Wilson-Wilde had stepped down from her role as Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) director, effective immediately.
“Dr Wilson-Wilde has resigned from her appointment as director, Forensic Science Queensland,” Ms Frecklington said in a brief statement.
FSQ paused all DNA testing in mid-June when potential contamination was detected. Ms Frecklington said she had immediately suspended Dr Wilson-Wilde pending a show cause notice for removal.
Ms Frecklington said urgent testing would continue under appropriate controls, while a seven-day pause and subsequent review would determine the next steps for the troubled lab.
Dr Wilson-Wilde was appointed in September 2024 following an international recruitment process and was regarded as one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading forensic experts. She first joined FSQ as interim chief executive in January 2023.
Forensic Biology executive manager Natasha Mitchell will remain acting director until a permanent replacement is appointed.
“The Crisafulli government is firmly committed to the future of Forensic Science Queensland,” Ms Frecklington said.
FSQ is an independent statutory authority supporting the criminal justice and coronial systems through forensic biology and chemistry services.
The organisation has been under intense scrutiny in recent years, with two commissions of inquiry in 2022 and 2023 exposing serious long-term failings.
Among the most damning findings was a “fatally flawed” automated DNA testing method that may have led to offenders escaping conviction. The 2023 Sofronoff inquiry concluded that some issues at the lab amounted to grave maladministration involving dishonesty.
The state government has since accepted 125 recommendations and committed $170m to overhaul the service.
Originally published as Top forensic scientist resigns amid DNA contamination scandal
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