Fuel to the fire: Forensic testing farce finds another 7000 caught in DNA disaster
Another inquiry into DNA testing at Queensland’s beleaguered state-run forensic lab will be held after the number of cases affected rose to almost 40,000.
Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman (centre) has announced an extension of the Health Department's probe into the Queensland DNA testing laboratory after an additional 7000 more affected were revealed. (AAP Image/Darren England)
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announced the six-week review would start on Thursday after it was revealed another 7000 cases had been compromised since an initial inquiry into the lab’s testing regime.
Retired Federal Court judge Annabelle Bennett has been appointed to conduct the new inquiry which will look at claims made about an automated DNA extraction method relating to a process known as Project 13.
“If we have missed some really important facts when it came to Project 13 as part of the previous inquiry, then we’re going to leave no stone unturned now in getting to the bottom of that,” Ms Fentiman said.
There were calls for another review of the lab’s past regime after a rise in affected cases and claims about Project 13 were revealed following the first damning inquiry headed by Walter Sofronoff KC last year.
The 2022 inquiry found many DNA samples went untested and the lab incorrectly ruled others “insufficient”.
Queensland Police have since reviewed cases dating back to 2007 and found another 7000 cases were impacted, taking the total to 37,000.
It included samples affected under Project 13’s automated DNA extraction method that was introduced in October 2007.
The new inquiry under Dr Bennett will hold public hearings, call witnesses and review statements, documents and the previous probe’s recommendations.
Dr Bennett’s final report and recommendations will be completed by November 17.
