Commission of Inquiry Reports
On 6 June 2022, the Queensland Government announced a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland, which was undertaken by Mr Walter Sofronoff KC.
On 8 September 2022, Mr Sofronoff KC provided an interim report containing three recommendations, which were accepted by the Queensland Government.
On 13 December 2022, Mr Sofronoff KC released a final report, making 123 recommendations ranging from remedial technical (laboratory) actions, through to major systematic changes in the operations and structure of forensic service delivery in Queensland.
On 15 December 2022, the Queensland Government announced that it would accept all 123 recommendations, noting there was a clear need for reform in the way in which forensic DNA services are delivered in Queensland. The Queensland Government announced $95 million in immediate measures to address the findings made by Mr Sofronoff KC.
On 18 September 2023, the Government committed additional funding of $75 million, over four years, to Queensland Health (QH), Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG) to support continued implementation of the COI recommendations.
On 5 October 2023, a further COI was established, led by Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC, to investigate matters as they related to a method of DNA extraction implemented by an underpinning project known as ‘Project 13’.
On 17 November 2022, the Bennett COI delivered its report making two recommendations that relate to reviewing, and potentially retesting some samples that were previously tested between 2007 and 2016. These recommendations were also accepted by the Queensland Government.
FSQ Establishment
The Commission of Inquiry recommended a new organisational structure for forensic services in Queensland. This restructure, together with the employment of additional scientific and professional staff had the aim of restoring confidence and rebuilding trust in the forensic testing process and the broader criminal justice system.
The recommendation from the Commission of Inquiry was the establishment of Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) as a business unit within Queensland Health.
The proposed benefits included:
- Enhancing service delivery and efficiency of services provided to the criminal justice system
- Increasing community trust
- Creating an immediate organisational and executive leadership team structure that supports the necessary reform
- Improving utilisation of resources with a focus on core business
- Addressing cultural issues
Improving capacity to conduct research and development and implement latest methodologies
References
- Sofronoff Report - Commision of Inquiry into Forensic DNA testing in Queensland - Final Report (health.qld.gov.au)
- Bennett Report - DNA Project 13 Report.pdf (dnaproject13inquiry.qld.gov.au)
- Govt response to reports - $95 million in immediate measures to address Forensic DNA Commission of Inquiry findings - Ministerial Media Statements