A government review of DNA testing at a state forensic lab has been described as “manifestly inappropriate” by a former employee after Queensland police revealed they were re-examining cases dating back to early 2018.
Key points:
- Queensland Health’s internal review of laboratory tests has been described as “manifestly inappropriate”
- Forensic biologist Dr. Kirsty Wright says additional evidence in criminal cases that did not have enough DNA evidence could lead to the resolution of crimes.
- When asked about an independent investigation, Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said “there is nothing off the table”.
Forensic biologist Dr. Kirsty Wright said there were thousands of cases in question dating back 10 years after abnormalities were found in the DNA results of the Queensland Health Sciences and Forensics Laboratory (QHFSS). .
“The Queensland police review certainly shows that the lab is not operating efficiently and that they are giving incorrect advice to the police which may prevent them from identifying very serious offenders,” he said.
The issue came to light after Queensland police called for additional evidence in samples that QHFSS had reported as “insufficient DNA for further processing.”
Subsequent tests revealed a 30% success rate in DNA samples in relation to “all kinds of crimes” and a 66% success rate for DNA detection for sex crimes.
“I think it ‘s really illustrative for the police to do that [conducting a review into cases back to 2018]”Dr. Wright said.
“I congratulate them for investigating these cases because they obviously believe that there are real problems with the laboratory.
“There is a real possibility that more evidence from these samples that Queensland Health said did not contain enough DNA could solve some of these cases.
“I have no doubt that the police will find more cases where they can really get information.”
It calls for independent investigation into laboratory failures
Forensic biologist Dr. Kirsty Wright says the state forensic lab is not working efficiently and may be giving incorrect advice to police. (ABC News: Steve Keen)
He said the Queensland government’s review was “manifestly inadequate” as the terms of reference were too narrow.
“What’s missing from Queensland Health’s internal review is examining the lab’s results,” he said.
“This lab is really failing quite incredibly in its responsibility to the Queensland public.”
Mrs Wright called for an independent inquiry into the matter.
Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said Health Minister Yvette D’Ath had taken the issue seriously and had commissioned an independent review by Queensland Health’s forensic DNA analysis service.
“The Minister of Health has presented these terms of reference to Parliament in memory,” Palaszczuk said.
“We must first get these results.
“But let me tell you – it was a scary place.
“There are experts out there who are looking at it, and that’s the first step, but that doesn’t mean there’s no further research after that.”
Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has not ruled out an independent investigation into the state laboratory. (AAP: Dave Hunt)
Ms. D’Ath was not available for comment when the ABC approached.
However, a Queensland Health spokesman said an independent review of the Forensic DNA Analysis Unit had been announced which “would include DNA testing thresholds and the adequacy of those thresholds”.
Details of the review were announced in May and will examine laboratory policies, procedures, processes and standards against best practices.
The lab offers a range of services to the Queensland Police Service, such as testing and analysis of biological samples to generate a DNA profile.
An independent evaluator has not yet been announced.
“Victims of rape may have been denied justice”
Women’s Legal Service attorney Julie Sarkozi says forensic examinations are intrusive and traumatic for survivors of sexual assault. (ABC News: Lexy Hamilton-Smith)
Queensland police said their case review was ongoing and that they were “working with our external stakeholders to resolve these issues”.
Queensland Women’s Legal Services Director of Educational Practice and Legal Reform Julie Sarkozi said it was very worrying that for years DNA samples in cases of sexual assault could not be used.
“The forensic medical examination is a quiet intrusion and often at a time when people are very, very injured and traumatized,” he said.
“So the idea that it was useless is quite devastating and traumatic for the victims and the survivors.
“I am optimistic that the results of the review and, in fact, the results of the working group on women ‘s security and justice will give a hitherto rather clandestine level of accountability and transparency to a seemingly clandestine process.
“I think more can be done.”
Opposition leader David Crisafulli said the LNP would like a review of the laboratory included in the Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland Police Service’s responses to domestic violence.
This review was announced by the state government in May in response to the recommendations of the Women’s Security and Justice Working Group.
“We are talking about a situation where cases have had to be reopened, where rape victims may have been denied justice,” Crisafulli said.
“We have been talking about the failures of the center.
“We’ve waited more than 40 days for the terms of reference and they’re as weak as water, and it’s been over two months and we don’t even know who will do the review.”