Queensland’s Forensic Lab Continues to Struggle with Lengthy Six-Year Backlog, Says Third Report
A third investigation of Queensland's state forensic laboratory uncovered DNA testing backlogs extending for as long as six years. The prior state government carried out two separate inquiries into Queensland's forensic laboratory, indicating that flawed DNA testing protocols have raised doubts about thousands of results. The government committed around $200 million to address the reported problems.
Nevertheless, a separate and independent study has been finalized, finding that the established DNA testing protocols are still not being put into practice. The research, conducted by Dr. Kirsty Wright, revealed that these delays have significantly affected families and are hindering the arrest of offenders. It found a total backlog of as much as six years, including a two-year delay for approximately 13,000 tests currently underway, as well as delays of up to two years for cases involving coroners.
"We refer to them as samples." "These are individuals, victims, defendants, and they represent real lives," Wright remarked today. "Thirteen thousand samples." Presently, the lab takes about 420 days to examine serious crime cases, such as sexual assaults, rapes, and homicides. Mick Fuller, a past NSW Police Commissioner, has been appointed to carry out the recommendations.