Forensic Science Queensland director Linzi Wilson-Wilde resigns following suspension

Australia Broadcast Center

15 hours ago

The director of Forensic Science Queensland [FSQ] has resigned after the state government last month issued her a show-cause notice.
Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde, who was appointed to the role in September 2024, confirmed to the ABC she had resigned.
In a statement, she said she wished the lab nothing but the best.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington announced in June she had immediately suspended Dr Wilson-Wilde, pending a show cause notice for her removal.
At the time, she said the action was taken after FSQ put a general pause on routine DNA testing following "contamination issues" that were identified.
The government has not disclosed the nature of the contamination issues, but has confirmed routine DNA testing has since resumed.
In a statement on Friday morning, Ms Frecklington said the Dr Wilson-Wilde's resignation was effective immediately.
"Natasha Mitchell, Executive Manager Forensic Biology, will continue acting in the role of director until a permanent appointment is made," she said.
"The Crisafulli government is firmly committed to the future of Forensic Science Queensland."
FSQ is an independent statutory authority and forensic service provider, which supports the criminal justice and coronial systems with specialised services in forensic biology and forensic chemistry.
Two commissions of inquiry, in 2022 and 2023, found serious failings over many years at the FSQ lab, including a "fatally flawed" automated testing method that might have seen offenders escaping conviction.
Dr Wilson-Wilde became director in September 2024 after joining FSQ as interim chief executive in January 2023.