The Queensland Government has announced a new expert team to overhaul forensic operations in Queensland, following the release of a report into Queensland’s DNA testing system.

The major review was launched by the Queensland Government in its first week in office, with esteemed forensic biologist Dr Kirsty Wright and former FBI expert Dr Bruce Budowle appointed to undertake an extensive assessment of testing services and reforms at Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ).

Dr Wright’s report has made alarming findings of unreliable results and delays that have had major impacts on courts, police, and victims awaiting justice.

Critically the report has found:

• FSQ provided unreliable DNA results to police and the courts since early 2023, with systemic contamination issues uncovered.
• Delays in reporting DNA results have grown since early 2023, with courts relying on DNA evidence now ‘at a point of critical system failure’.
• There is a current median turnaround time for DNA results in major crimes of 412 days, which is 398 days slower than required by Queensland Police.
• The number of untested rape kits grew significantly from 75 in 2023 to 511 in September 2024, with testing taking more than 12 months to complete when they should be tested within two to eight weeks.
• Backlogs have prevented offenders from being arrested, put victims at risk, and impacted the identification of human remains.

The Queensland Government has announced a new Expert Team to overhaul forensic operations in Queensland, which will be led by former New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, with the ongoing involvement of both DNA reviewers.

It follows a $6 million investment by the Queensland Government to bolster the capacity of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to deliver Faster Justice for victims with backlogged DNA-related matters.

In addition to this, the Queensland Government has also implemented a $50 million, 2-year program to address the DNA backlog by outsourcing thousands of DNA samples for testing and analysis.

Premier David Crisafulli said the Report exposed a harrowing chapter in Queensland's justice system. 

“We launched this review because Queenslanders deserve the truth and victims of crime deserve justice,” Premier Crisafulli said. 

“This report shows what has occurred is nothing short of a betrayal of victims, but we are determined to rebuild confidence and restore integrity in the justice system.

“We are bringing in some of the most experienced people in the country, and putting victims back at the centre of our justice system because they deserve answers, and they deserve justice.

"These are critical next steps not only to make Queensland safer but deliver the long-overdue justice these victims deserve."

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said it was unacceptable that victims of crime were left at risk while waiting for justice.

“The DNA testing system has rocked the foundations of our justice system and those tremors continue to be felt as we get to the bottom of their failings and delays,” the Attorney-General said.

“Dr Wright’s findings aren’t just concerning – they’re chilling — and I know this report will be very difficult reading for victims.

"To restore safety where you live we must resource our courts and police with evidence they need.

“Since coming to office we have exposed more and more concerning problems in the DNA testing system - but I want Queenslanders to know we will fix the system so confidence in our DNA testing services can be restored.”

Dr Kirsty Wright said she believed her report would be a watershed moment for forensic operations in the state.

“I have been determined to leave no stone unturned with my review, knowing that the failures that occurred have seen our criminal justice system compromised, trust in our forensic DNA services eroded, and too many victims denied justice,” Dr Wright said.

“There is a significant task ahead to rebuild Queensland’s forensic DNA services and to transform the laboratory into the facility that the justice system needs and victims deserve, but I am very pleased to be joining the Expert Team that will guide these critical next steps.”

Mick Fuller said he was focused on reforming FSQ and was more than ready for the challenge ahead.

"I am under no illusions that there is significant road in front of us as we work through the very serious issues raised, but it is a great privilege to be entrusted with such a transformative task," Mr Fuller said.

"In my role leading the Expert Team, I will be drawing upon 34 years of policing experience, where I saw firsthand how critical forensic science is to the work of police and prosecutors in keeping serious offenders behind bars and their victims safe.

“I look forward to working with the Queensland Government to rebuild confidence and trust in forensic science services in this state and establishing a new era of best practice that helps make Queensland safer."

Dr Wright’s report is available on the Queensland Parliament website.