Queensland’s forensic boss has been suspended over allegations DNA testing was contaminated

Queensland’s forensic boss has been suspended immediately over fears DNA tests were contaminated in another blow for the state’s service.

Queensland’s top forensic scientist Linzi Wilson-Wilde has been immediately suspended over fears DNA tests have been contaminated.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington issued a statement late on Friday following advice she received that Forensic Science Queensland had paused testing after contamination issues were identified.

“I moved to immediately suspend, pending a show cause notice for removal, the Director of Forensic Science Queensland,” Ms Frecklington said in a statement.

Dr Wilson-Wilde was appointed in September 2024 following an international selection process and was regarded as one of Australia and NZ’s leading forensic scientists.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington issued a statement late on Friday following advice she received that Forensic Science Queensland paused testing after contamination issues were identified. Picture: Liam Kidston

Ms Frecklington said the forensic lab would pause operations for seven days, then carry out a review to determine the next steps.

She said the government has been advised Forensic Science Queensland would still process urgent matters using appropriate controls.

The organisation supports criminal and coronial investigations with forensic biology and chemistry services.

Two separate inquiries were held into the forensic service in 2022 and 2023, which resulted in the Qld Government accepting 125 recommendations and allocating $170m to improve the service.

The Soffronoff inquiry found serious problems existed within the laboratory for many years, some of them amounting to grave maladministration involving dishonesty.

Originally published as Queensland’s forensic boss has been suspended over allegations DNA testing was contaminated