The head of Queensland’s trouble-plagued DNA testing service has called for a massive injection of funding to build a new facility. The forensic lab came under intense scrutiny during two commissions of inquiry. And now, for the first time since damning findings were made, ABC News has been given a look inside.
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00:00It plays a crucial part in our criminal justice system and a place where cameras are rarely allowed.
00:09This is where the exhibits are received. It could be a swab or an item of clothing that requires forensic examination and testing.
00:17Illicit drugs or explosives are sent to the chemistry division.
00:21Here, meth crystals are being ground down for testing.
00:25This scientist has identified about a million dollars worth of drugs, including heroin.
00:31Anything involving DNA goes to the biology division.
00:35In a strictly controlled environment, scientists look for evidence from crime scenes, like semen on bed sheets or saliva on cigarette butts.
00:44But the DNA testing processes were called into question during two commissions of inquiry in 2022 and 2023.
00:53Serious failings were identified and more than 120 recommendations made. 67 have been implemented.
01:01It's a journey. It is not a sprint. It will not be done in a month or two.
01:06The government's allocated $200 million to make improvements, but Dr Lindsay Wilson-Wild wants more, $450 million more, for an entirely new facility.
01:18To ensure that the services provided meet the current standards and keep up with the pace of change in technology and science.
01:26So that business case is under consideration. We know that they are going to need a new lab in the long term.
01:32In the meantime, more than 40,000 cases from as far back as 2007 have to be reviewed.
01:39So how long will it take to clear the backlog of historical cases? No one knows for sure. Best estimate is several years.
01:48About 8,000 current cases are awaiting DNA testing. Dr Wilson-Wild says processing will speed up as more forensic scientists are recruited.
01:58I've been working here for almost a year now. I've moved up from a different jurisdiction in Australia.
02:04This is an achievable task to turn this lab around, and so I'm confident that the work that we're putting out now is of the highest quality.