Latest news with #ForensicScienceQueensland
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Perth Now
'Toxic' culture at DNA lab adds to backlog of problems
A state forensic lab remains in a "sustained crisis", a former Federal Bureau of Investigation expert says. Queensland's troubled DNA lab is struggling to maintain its accreditation, implement 126 commission of inquiry recommendations and address an ever-growing case backlog. Those are some of the findings of former FBI expert Bruce Budowle, whose independent review into the lab's operational matters was tabled on Tuesday. Dr Budowle found a "toxic" workplace culture was evident to the review team, including poor communication, a lack of empowerment, resistance to change and limited evidence of a solution-based culture. The review team also found some scientific methods were being implemented without proper validation, posing risks to result integrity. "Despite considerable effort over the past two and a half years, FSQ (Forensic Science Queensland) remains a laboratory in a state of sustained crisis," the report said. It follows a damning review released by the Queensland government on Monday that exposed further flaws at the troubled lab, which has delayed court cases for years and left major crime victims in "harm's way". A revamp of contamination issues at Forensic Science Queensland is to be headed by former NSW Police commissioner Mick Fuller. The planned revamp follows the resignation of lab director Linzi Wilson-Wilde in July, a month after being suspended over "contamination issues" at the lab. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington told a budget estimates hearing on Tuesday the Budowle review had uncovered a troubling amount of environmental contamination within the lab and calculation errors with kinship and paternity testing dating back several years. "Evidence from police is that FSQ significant delays and backlogs are having considerable negative impact on active investigations and public safety," Ms Frecklington told the hearing. "And a workplace culture at FSQ that appeared to the review team to be, and I quote, 'quite toxic', with management at all levels appearing to operate in a reactive, crisis-management mode." The Budowle report also found a "check-the-box" approach to accreditation and risk assessment has led to a culture of superficial compliance at the lab. "Additionally, this approach fostered an illusion of progress which appeared to the review team to be concealing deep-seated risks and promoting lack of adequate proactive responses and mitigation processes," the report said. Dr Budowle recommended the appointment of an independent advisor to the lab, promoting solution-oriented approaches and a strategic pause in operations. A break of two to four weeks or longer could assist in addressing "fundamental quality issues, retrain scientific staff, and implement robust contamination controls and mitigation procedures". Forensic Science Queensland was established in May 2023 after two inquiries exposed major lab failings. The state government has provided $50 million to address the DNA lab's backlog.
ABC News
7 days ago
- ABC News
Queensland DNA lab at 'point of critical failure' with victims of crime waiting years for testing, report finds
Victims of serious crimes like rape and murder are waiting well over a year for vital DNA evidence in Queensland when it should take just 10 days, a damning new report has revealed. An investigation into Queensland's beleaguered forensics lab has found it is at a "point of critical failure", leading to years-long delays in the justice system. It follows two commissions of inquiry into Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ), which found evidence may have been compromised for criminal trials dating back to 2007 and potentially led to miscarriages of justice. The report, led by Dr Kirsty Wright, found serious issues persisted despite those inquiries. "Victims are waiting over a year for the rape kits to be tested. In other jurisdictions, that's taking five to 10 days, so you can see the chasm in the service that we need to rebuild." More than 13,000 samples still need to be retested, which is expected to take two years to complete. Cases in the magistrates' court relying on DNA evidence are being delayed by up to three years, the report found. Recommendations from the first inquiry saw changes to the DNA testing method, but the report found this had been done incorrectly, noting a "poor quality culture". "We've found systemic contamination. We've found shortcuts are being taken. We've found that the accreditation standards aren't being adhered to as well," Dr Wright said. "Test methods are being used that haven't been properly tested. So we need to go back and examine that further to see how many cases in the last two-and-a-half years might have been compromised." Dr Wright found testing was being done in a "dirty lab", resulting in environmental contamination on a weekly basis. "There was evidence of this for at least a year, a year and a half." The second six-week inquiry was launched in 2023, after lobbying from Dr Wright and the family of stabbed Mackay woman Shandee Blackburn, where DNA evidence was central to the case. In a letter, Ms Blackburn's mother Vicki and sister Shannah said their trauma had been compounded following the revelations exposed in each inquiry. "We hope no-one endures losing a beloved family member in the way we have. However, that is not a reality," they said. An anonymous victim-survivor noted in a letter to the review that there had been no progress in the result from a rape kit she submitted in April 2024, and no information as to when it might be processed. "The uncertainty — not knowing when or if justice will be done — prevents survivors from healing and moving forward," they said. The report outlined the tangible impact of DNA processing delays on the courts. On one occasion, a case went to trial without DNA evidence despite the prosecution pleading its relevance. In another, an alleged murderer, who was "considered a risk of reoffending", was released on bail due to delays in samples. The government has appointed former NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller to head a new expert team to overhaul operations at the lab. "I think it's disastrous. I'm not lost in terms of the challenges, but to be clear, I'm not here to do another review. I'm here to drive the recommendations," Mr Fuller said. The review made 26 recommendations, which Dr Wright said would provide a "comprehensive blueprint" for change. "This report isn't a box of Band-Aids. My team and I have looked thoroughly into what needs to be changed within the laboratory," she said. "But also from the system, across the policing system and the DPP, how can the lab better serve the courts and the police?" Former director of the facility, Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde, resigned last month following "contamination issues" being identified. Dr Wright said she wasn't interested in the role and would continue assisting victims in other ways. Premier David Crisafulli was pressed on whether anyone would be held responsible for failings at the lab.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Yahoo
Forensic chief resigns amid DNA scandal
Queensland's top forensic scientist has resigned just weeks after she was suspended over fears DNA evidence may have been compromised at the state's forensic laboratory. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington confirmed on Friday that Linzi Wilson-Wilde had stepped down from her role as Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) director, effective immediately. 'Dr Wilson-Wilde has resigned from her appointment as director, Forensic Science Queensland,' Ms Frecklington said in a brief statement. FSQ paused all DNA testing in mid-June when potential contamination was detected. Ms Frecklington said she had immediately suspended Dr Wilson-Wilde pending a show cause notice for removal. Ms Frecklington said urgent testing would continue under appropriate controls, while a seven-day pause and subsequent review would determine the next steps for the troubled lab. Dr Wilson-Wilde was appointed in September 2024 following an international recruitment process and was regarded as one of Australia and New Zealand's leading forensic experts. She first joined FSQ as interim chief executive in January 2023. Forensic Biology executive manager Natasha Mitchell will remain acting director until a permanent replacement is appointed. 'The Crisafulli government is firmly committed to the future of Forensic Science Queensland,' Ms Frecklington said. FSQ is an independent statutory authority supporting the criminal justice and coronial systems through forensic biology and chemistry services. The organisation has been under intense scrutiny in recent years, with two commissions of inquiry in 2022 and 2023 exposing serious long-term failings. Among the most damning findings was a 'fatally flawed' automated DNA testing method that may have led to offenders escaping conviction. The 2023 Sofronoff inquiry concluded that some issues at the lab amounted to grave maladministration involving dishonesty. The state government has since accepted 125 recommendations and committed $170m to overhaul the service. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
The Advertiser
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Boss of troubled DNA lab resigns after being suspended
The boss of a troubled forensic testing lab has resigned a month after being suspended over "contamination issues". Forensic Science Queensland director Linzi Wilson-Wilde received a show cause notice for her removal by the Liberal National government in June following another setback. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington made the call after learning the beleaguered lab had paused routine DNA testing for seven days following the discovery of "contamination issues". Ms Frecklington on Friday announced Dr Wilson-Wilde had resigned from her position effective immediately. She said Forensic Biology Executive Manager Natasha Mitchell would continue acting in the director role until a permanent appointment was made. "The Crisafulli government is firmly committed to the future of Forensic Science Queensland," Ms Frecklington said in a statement. The LNP government did not disclose the nature of the contamination issues but routine DNA testing has since resumed. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 after two inquiries exposed major failings over a number of years at the lab. They included a "fundamentally flawed" automated testing method that may have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Dr Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September 2024 after serving as interim chief executive. She received the role from the former Labor government prior to it entering caretaker mode before the 2024 state election. The LNP government chose Dr Kirsty Wright to oversee forensic lab reforms when it won the October 2024 election. The LNP launched reforms after it emerged more than 40,000 of the state's most serious cases were "under a forensic cloud" following the back-to-back inquiries. It moved amendments in parliament in April to ensure current DNA sample retention was extended from three to seven years to tackle the retesting backlog, which may take years. It was a recommendation of Dr Wright, who will oversee a DNA Lab Review and hand down recommendations with renowned FBI expert Bruce Budowle. Forensic scientist Dr Wright spoke out about the lab, triggering the two inquiries held in as many years. The boss of a troubled forensic testing lab has resigned a month after being suspended over "contamination issues". Forensic Science Queensland director Linzi Wilson-Wilde received a show cause notice for her removal by the Liberal National government in June following another setback. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington made the call after learning the beleaguered lab had paused routine DNA testing for seven days following the discovery of "contamination issues". Ms Frecklington on Friday announced Dr Wilson-Wilde had resigned from her position effective immediately. She said Forensic Biology Executive Manager Natasha Mitchell would continue acting in the director role until a permanent appointment was made. "The Crisafulli government is firmly committed to the future of Forensic Science Queensland," Ms Frecklington said in a statement. The LNP government did not disclose the nature of the contamination issues but routine DNA testing has since resumed. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 after two inquiries exposed major failings over a number of years at the lab. They included a "fundamentally flawed" automated testing method that may have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Dr Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September 2024 after serving as interim chief executive. She received the role from the former Labor government prior to it entering caretaker mode before the 2024 state election. The LNP government chose Dr Kirsty Wright to oversee forensic lab reforms when it won the October 2024 election. The LNP launched reforms after it emerged more than 40,000 of the state's most serious cases were "under a forensic cloud" following the back-to-back inquiries. It moved amendments in parliament in April to ensure current DNA sample retention was extended from three to seven years to tackle the retesting backlog, which may take years. It was a recommendation of Dr Wright, who will oversee a DNA Lab Review and hand down recommendations with renowned FBI expert Bruce Budowle. Forensic scientist Dr Wright spoke out about the lab, triggering the two inquiries held in as many years. The boss of a troubled forensic testing lab has resigned a month after being suspended over "contamination issues". Forensic Science Queensland director Linzi Wilson-Wilde received a show cause notice for her removal by the Liberal National government in June following another setback. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington made the call after learning the beleaguered lab had paused routine DNA testing for seven days following the discovery of "contamination issues". Ms Frecklington on Friday announced Dr Wilson-Wilde had resigned from her position effective immediately. She said Forensic Biology Executive Manager Natasha Mitchell would continue acting in the director role until a permanent appointment was made. "The Crisafulli government is firmly committed to the future of Forensic Science Queensland," Ms Frecklington said in a statement. The LNP government did not disclose the nature of the contamination issues but routine DNA testing has since resumed. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 after two inquiries exposed major failings over a number of years at the lab. They included a "fundamentally flawed" automated testing method that may have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Dr Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September 2024 after serving as interim chief executive. She received the role from the former Labor government prior to it entering caretaker mode before the 2024 state election. The LNP government chose Dr Kirsty Wright to oversee forensic lab reforms when it won the October 2024 election. The LNP launched reforms after it emerged more than 40,000 of the state's most serious cases were "under a forensic cloud" following the back-to-back inquiries. It moved amendments in parliament in April to ensure current DNA sample retention was extended from three to seven years to tackle the retesting backlog, which may take years. It was a recommendation of Dr Wright, who will oversee a DNA Lab Review and hand down recommendations with renowned FBI expert Bruce Budowle. Forensic scientist Dr Wright spoke out about the lab, triggering the two inquiries held in as many years. The boss of a troubled forensic testing lab has resigned a month after being suspended over "contamination issues". Forensic Science Queensland director Linzi Wilson-Wilde received a show cause notice for her removal by the Liberal National government in June following another setback. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington made the call after learning the beleaguered lab had paused routine DNA testing for seven days following the discovery of "contamination issues". Ms Frecklington on Friday announced Dr Wilson-Wilde had resigned from her position effective immediately. She said Forensic Biology Executive Manager Natasha Mitchell would continue acting in the director role until a permanent appointment was made. "The Crisafulli government is firmly committed to the future of Forensic Science Queensland," Ms Frecklington said in a statement. The LNP government did not disclose the nature of the contamination issues but routine DNA testing has since resumed. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 after two inquiries exposed major failings over a number of years at the lab. They included a "fundamentally flawed" automated testing method that may have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Dr Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September 2024 after serving as interim chief executive. She received the role from the former Labor government prior to it entering caretaker mode before the 2024 state election. The LNP government chose Dr Kirsty Wright to oversee forensic lab reforms when it won the October 2024 election. The LNP launched reforms after it emerged more than 40,000 of the state's most serious cases were "under a forensic cloud" following the back-to-back inquiries. It moved amendments in parliament in April to ensure current DNA sample retention was extended from three to seven years to tackle the retesting backlog, which may take years. It was a recommendation of Dr Wright, who will oversee a DNA Lab Review and hand down recommendations with renowned FBI expert Bruce Budowle. Forensic scientist Dr Wright spoke out about the lab, triggering the two inquiries held in as many years.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Troubled DNA lab boss resigns after being suspended
A troubled forensic testing boss has resigned a month after being suspended over "contamination issues". Forensic Science Queensland director Linzi Wilson-Wilde received a show cause notice for her removal by the Liberal National government in June following another setback. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington made the call after learning the beleaguered lab had paused routine DNA testing for seven days following the discovery of "contamination issues". Ms Frecklington on Friday announced Dr Wilson-Wilde had resigned from her position effective immediately. She said Forensic Biology Executive Manager Natasha Mitchell would continue acting in the director role until a permanent appointment was made. "The Crisafulli government is firmly committed to the future of Forensic Science Queensland," Ms Frecklington said in a statement. The LNP government did not disclose the nature of the contamination issues but routine DNA testing has since resumed. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 after two inquiries exposed major failings over a number of years at the lab. They included a "fundamentally flawed" automated testing method that may have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Dr Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September 2024 after serving as interim chief executive. She received the role from the former Labor government prior to it entering caretaker mode before the 2024 state election. The LNP government chose Dr Kirsty Wright to oversee forensic lab reforms when it won the October 2024 election. The LNP launched reforms after it emerged more than 40,000 of the state's most serious cases were "under a forensic cloud" following the back-to-back inquiries. It moved amendments in parliament in April to ensure current DNA sample retention was extended from three to seven years to tackle the retesting backlog, which may take years. It was a recommendation of Dr Wright, who will oversee a DNA Lab Review and hand down recommendations with renowned FBI expert Bruce Budowle. Forensic scientist Dr Wright spoke out about the lab, triggering the two inquiries held in as many years.
