A recent review, led by Dr. Kirsty Wright, has found shocking failures in the quality control of Queensland’s DNA testing laboratory. Such results are deeply troubling, both for the integrity of the state’s forensic processes and their efficiency. Dr. Wright’s findings unearth some alarming trends that still exist today in the testing of this critical evidence. As a result, atrocious backlogs are mounting, most egregious with rape kits. That disconnect is a dangerous one, and the review highlights an urgent need for reform. Dr. Wright has proposed 26 recommendations to develop a “comprehensive blueprint” for change.
Victims in Queensland have suffered years of delays. Some people are waiting over a year for their rape kits to be tested. Other jurisdictions are able to do these tests in five to ten days max. As a result, the median turnaround time for processing major crime cases—such as sexual assaults—now exceeds 420 days, Dr. Wright observed.
Systemic Contamination and Lack of Adherence to Standards
Dr. Wright’s review uncovered disturbing conditions in the lab, showing proof of “systemic contamination” and significant lapses with conduct required by accreditation standards. Our new testing facility works in, as some might describe it, a “dirty lab.” Consequently, it poisons the local environment each week.
“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. Kirsty Wright
Combined with the lab’s major construction and operational restoration delays, these findings point to ongoing disasters in the laboratory. In addition, it is likely jeopardizing the integrity of the DNA evidence it is processing. Dr. Wright’s analysis uncovers a pretty damning truth — the test methods we’re using today weren’t properly validated. This should be a huge red flag regarding the reliability of any results that have gotten out over the last two and a half years.
More than 13,000 samples still need to be retested, a process that is expected to take two years before it’s done. This backlog only exacerbates the years-long wait for cases that rely on DNA evidence. Some court cases are delayed for as long as three years!
Advocacy for Change and Support for Victims
The review followed two previous commissions of inquiry into Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ). That’s a huge jump, but it reflects an increasing demand for reform, led by families of those lost to violent crimes pushing for change. Dr. Wright joined the family of Shandee Blackburn to advocate for a second inquiry that was launched in 2023. They spoke passionately about the emotional cost that long delays have on victims and their families.
Vicki and Shannah, along with their colleagues, voiced outrage on how these delays affect survivors who are striving for justice.
“The uncertainty — not knowing when or if justice will be done — prevents survivors from healing and moving forward,” – Vicki and Shannah Blackburn
Advocacy groups argue that any time lost while processing evidence only adds to the trauma victims are already dealing with. Angela Lynch pointed out that lengthy delays might force victims to back out of the judicial process entirely.
“Any kind of delay can increase the pressure on victims and increase the risk they may withdraw because they can’t handle the length of time that it takes to get through the entire process,” – Angela Lynch
Commitment to Implementing Recommendations
After the damning results were reported, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli vowed to hold the lab accountable and reform the toxic lab. He promised that if need be, people would be fired for failures in service and performance standards.
“If there are people who need to be held accountable, they will be held accountable.” – Premier David Crisafulli
Dr. Wright stressed that her report should not be viewed as just a list of stopgap measures.
“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,” – Dr. Wright
These recommendations are intended to both fix the problems that have already occurred and ensure more sustainable practices in the future. Mick Fuller made it clear that he wanted to stop the reviews and start the implementation of these changes.
“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,” – Mick Fuller
