- The Crisafulli Government has cleared the backlog of rape kits inherited from Labor during their decade of decline.
- Backlog of major crime DNA samples has also been reduced by 70 per cent.
- Two new Deputy Director roles appointed at Forensic Science Queensland to strengthen leadership and capability.
- The Crisafulli Government is putting victims first by fixing Labor's DNA debacle and delivering faster access to justice.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered another significant milestone in fixing Labor's DNA debacle, clearing the backlog of untested rape kits and dramatically reducing delays in major crime testing.
The achievement comes after Labor presided over one of the greatest failures of a justice system anywhere in the world, with 601 rape kits and more than 11,000 major crime samples left untested, denying victims justice.
The Crisafulli Government responded with a two-year outsourcing strategy and recovery plan to restore confidence in the forensic system.
The strategy has resulted in all sexual assault examination kits being processed, fully eliminating the inherited Labor backlog which was 601 when the Crisafulli Government took office.
Additionally, the backlog of major crime DNA samples – crimes against people – has fallen 70 per cent, reducing from 11,703 in November 2024 to 3,488 in May 2026.
The Crisafulli Government has also appointed two new Deputy Director positions at FSQ to strengthen leadership capacity across both forensic operations and corporate services.
Saranjeet Khera and Kirsten Eades join FSQ'S new leadership structure to help ensure the lab has the culture, expertise and resources needed to continue delivering timely and reliable forensic services.
Ms Khera joins FSQ as a senior forensic science leader with over 25 years' experience across forensic biology and a career with the UK Metropolitan Police. Ms Eades brings strong corporate services expertise following nearly three decades of public service with the Department of Justice.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said Labor's DNA debacle denied victims justice, delayed police investigations, and allowed dangerous offenders to remain in the community.
"Today's milestone shows what can be achieved when a Government gets on with the job, instead of turning its back on victims, as Labor did," the Attorney-General said.
"These figures are not just statistics - they represent real people who have fallen victim to serious crime. We refused to allow these DNA samples to sit on a shelf in a lab untested, as Labor did. Victims deserve answers, and we are committed to delivering faster justice for them.
"We are continuing the work to clean up Labor's mess, including further bolstering FSQ's leadership team to ensure timely processing, stronger accountability, and lasting reform."
Director of Forensic Science Queensland Mick Fuller said the progress reflected a focused effort to rebuild forensic capability and restore public confidence.
"This milestone shows what can be achieved when there is a clear plan, strong leadership and a commitment to putting victims first," Mr Fuller said.
"Clearing the rape kit backlog and substantially reducing major crime delays is a significant step toward restoring trust in Queensland's forensic system.
"Timely and reliable forensic results are critical to helping police solve crimes and ensuring victims have greater access to justice."
