Major Boost To Queensland's Forensic Front Line

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity The Honourable Deb Frecklington
  • Crisafulli Government to double team of court reporting scientists after Labor's lab mismanagement left them unable to undertake critical work, tackling backlogs.
  • Second DNA shipment now being tested in United States as Crisafulli Government ramps up $50 million blitz.
  • December shipment to include most major crime samples held by Police.
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering faster access to justice, and a fresh start for Queensland.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a major boost to the State's forensic lab by getting scientists back on the front line, after Labor's failures left them unable to undertake critical work to tackle DNA backlogs.

It is one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland, with faster access to justice and better support for victims of crime.

Under the new leadership of Director Mick Fuller AO APM, Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) will increase its ranks of court reporting scientists, from nine to 19, with six positions signed off in recent weeks and a further four to be signed off by the end of October.

Despite being employed as part of an international recruitment drive, Labor's forensic failures left scientists waiting to have their skills assessed and gap training provided – meaning they were unable to complete the vital court reporting work they were brought in to do.

The development comes as the Crisafulli Government ramps up its $50 million outsourcing program, to address the shocking DNA backlogs Labor left behind.

Results from the first DNA shipment to Bode Technology are due back imminently, with a second shipment of samples now in the United States for testing.

A third shipment, which is expected to contain hundreds of sexual assault kits, and all major crime samples held by Queensland Police, is scheduled to be sent in early December.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Crisafulli Government was delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, exactly as promised.

"We are delivering faster access to justice by boosting the capability of FSQ and getting these scientists on to the front line where they are needed," the Attorney-General said.

"We have backed FSQ with the investment, leadership and legislative reform needed to rebuild public confidence and restore integrity to forensic science in Queensland.

"Each sample sent for testing represents a victim or a family waiting for justice – and we owe it to all of them to get the answers they deserve.

"While we are seeing crime down and victim numbers down, there is much more to be done to make Queensland safer, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised."

FSQ Director Mick Fuller said the certification of new court reporting scientists marked a major step forward in improving service delivery and capacity across the forensic system.

"This milestone reflects the hard work and commitment of my team to build capacity and reduce backlogs, so we don't see justice delayed or denied," Mr Fuller said.

"In addition to getting these scientists signed off, FSQ now has a streamlined process to recognise external training, which complements our national recruitment program.

"The impending restructure will put even more scientist back in the lab doing the important job they trained to do. 

"As Director, I am committed to rebuilding FSQ into an organisation that every Queenslander, and every part of the justice system, can have confidence in - and where every one of our scientists is proud to work."

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