Queensland premier launches commission of inquiry into state-run forensic lab
Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a commission of inquiry into the state-run John Tonge Centre, following allegations of DNA testing failures.
The forensic lab was already subject to a review after Queensland Police and forensic biologists voiced concerns with the centre's testing procedures, which may have impacted 'hundreds' of rape and murder investigations.
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The premier said the inquiry is due to the advocacy of Shandee Blackburn's mother and sister. Twitter
The premier confirmed the review would become a thorough commission of inquiry headed by Queensland Court of Appeal President, Walter Sofronoff, aided by external investigators outside Queensland.
"It is clear to me that nothing but a rigorous commission of inquiry can restore confidence in DNA testing in this state," the premier said.
"We are acting and we're acting swiftly."
The premier referenced the murder of 23-year-old Queenslander Shandee Blackburn, who was killed in 2013.
Blackburn's family and forensic biologist Dr Kirsty Wright claim that had DNA samples been collected and tested appropriately by the John Tonge Centre, Blackburn's killer would have been found.
"No DNA was found at scene... This raised questions about the conduct of the lab," Palaszczuk said.
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Queensland Police have confirmed several samples from sexual assault cases previously deemed 'insufficent DNA for further processing' would be retested. 9News
The premier announced the inquest into Blackburn's murder would be reopened, adding the commission of inquiry was due to the advocacy of the young woman's family.
The terms of reference for the inquiry will be released later this week.
"Everyone knows how central DNA evidence is to our system of justice," Palaszczuk said.
"The commission of inquiry will examine all aspects and operations of the lab.
"What cases, how far back and the terms of reference will be up to the commissioner."
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The parents of Shandee Blackburn with the assistance of forensic biologist Dr Kirsty Wright believe the young woman's killer would have been found had DNA evidence been tested properly. Supplied
Several other sexual assault cases with DNA samples deemed insufficient for testing by the lab will be retested by Queensland Health.
Queensland Police confirmed the review process was underway with several samples already identified.
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the inquiry was expected to last up to six months.
"We would welcome a report sooner than that but this is a complex matter," she said.
She said until a report is made, all future DNA samples collected from a crime scene will be tested.
Forensic biologist Dr Kirsty Wright believes alleged testing failures has led to 'hundreds' of killers and rapists walking free. 9News
Samples collected previously were only tested by the lab according to a threshold set in 2018.
D'Ath welcomed the commission of inquiry, adding it was crucial in restoring faith to victims of crime.
"I believe the only way to give the Queensland public confidence, the Queensland police service, the justice system and very importantly any victims of crime confidence in the DNA testing of our forensic system is to broaden the review to become a commission of inquiry," she said.
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