Queensland passes new forensic laws after thousands of DNA samples forced to be re-tested
Queensland has passed laws to ensure its forensic testing service is independent and impartial after failings led to thousands of DNA samples having to be re-tested.
Potential problems with the Forensic Science Service first came to light as a result of the Australian’s podcast series about the investigation into the murder of Shandee Blackburn in 2013.
An inquiry into Blackburn’s death was announced after the podcast examined the alleged handling of DNA evidence in the case.
The government declared last year that more than 100,000 samples may need to be re-tested after another DNA testing bungle was revealed at the forensic lab.
An inquiry into the lab found an automated DNA extraction method used from 2007 to 2016 known as Project 13, which was “fundamentally flawed”.
The new laws – supported by the government, the Liberal National party and the Greens on Tuesday – establish an independent statutory framework for the newly established Forensic Science Queensland.
The new structure will include an independent director of Forensic Science Queensland, a government office for the director and the Forensic Science Queensland Advisory Council, made up of 11 members.
The director will be appointed by the governor in council on the recommendation of the attorney general and must have a tertiary qualification in a relevant scientific discipline and at least 10 years of practical experience in forensics
The advisory council will contain members of the police, prosecution, defence, victim support, independent forensic science and private legal practice.
The health minister, Shannon Fentiman, praised the family of Shandee Blackburn and Dr Kirsty Wright for their advocacy.
“The bill was developed in response to the 2022 commission of inquiry,” she told parliament on Tuesday.
“The purpose of these dedicated efforts [in the parliament] is to ensure that we have a top class [forensic service system].
“The bill will implement a model of forensic service delivery that no other Australian jurisdiction has.”
The LNP MP Deb Frecklington said the forensic lab saga was “one of the greatest failings in the criminal justice system that the world has ever seen.”
“We’re standing up for the victims … because of a maladministration that we tried to get this government to understand,” she told parliament on Tuesday.
