The Premier of Queensland has confirmed an investigation will be carried out into the state-run forensic laboratory after potential problems with evidence were brought to light and police began looking into hundreds of cases. sexual assault.
Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Monday that there would be an investigation into the forensic DNA analysis unit, after police recently said they were looking into hundreds of sexual assault cases dating back from 2018 involving evidence flagged as having “insufficient DNA for treatment”.
Potential issues with the lab have come to light following a series of podcasts by The Australian on the death of Shandee Blackburn in 2013.
“A submission from [Queensland Police Service] also raised concerns about the lab,” Palaszczuk said.
“It is clear to me that nothing less than a full, open and rigorous commission of inquiry can restore confidence in DNA testing in this state.”
Palaszczuk said the commission of inquiry would be funded by the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministry, and would be led by outgoing Court of Appeals President and Supreme Court Justice Walter Sofronoff.
Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier of Queensland. Credit:Sydney Morning Herald
Sofronoff is a former Solicitor General for Queensland and headed the Grantham Flood Inquiry.
“The most experienced person said he would come on board and do this commission of inquiry,” she said.
