Forensic lab boss is suspended in scandal over contaminated DNA samples
The director of a state-run forensic testing lab has been suspended by Queensland government in the latest scandal over botched DNA sampling.
It follows a pause in testing at Forensic Science Queensland sparked by the identification of contamination issues, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said on Friday.
'This action was taken following advice I received today that (Forensic Science Queensland) was placing a general pause on routine DNA testing after contamination issues were identified,' she said.
The pause will be reviewed after seven days as the lab determines next steps and laboratory director Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde will be asked to explain why she should not be removed.
Urgent matters will progress in a limited capacity with appropriate controls, Ms Frecklington said.
Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 following multiple inquiries, one of which revealed a 'fundamentally flawed' automated DNA extraction method might have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007.
Many samples went untested while others were incorrectly ruled insufficient, an earlier inquiry found.
The inquiries also elicited characterisations of a 'toxic' culture at the state-run forensic lab.
More than 40,000 samples fell within the scope of a historical review process, of which close to 10,000 had been reviewed as of May.
Ms Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September after serving as interim chief executive.
Dr Wilson-Wilde was stepping into 'what will undoubtedly be a very challenging role', Ms Frecklington said at the time.
Following news of the testing pause, Ms Frecklington moved to immediately suspend her, pending a show cause notice for removal.
'I want to assure Queenslanders the Crisafulli government remains firmly committed to fixing the long-standing issues at Forensic Science Queensland,' she said.
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