The LNP has announced it will task Dr Kirsty Wright to head a new assessment into the delivery of reform of Queensland’s embattled DNA Forensics Laboratory, if elected next month.
Dr Kirsty Wright’s expertise ultimately led to two Commissions of Inquiry uncovering more than a decade of DNA testing failures which allowed rapists and murders to walk free.
The Queensland DNA Lab Debacle is one of the greatest administrative failures of a justice system in the world, with 40,000 cases over a 15-year span brought into disrepute.
Since the first Inquiry, less than 2% of cases have been retested, and more than 55% of retested samples have yielded DNA. At this rate it will be more than century for victims to receive justice.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said today’s announcement was another pillar of the Making Our Community Safer Plan and was critical to restoring an effective forensics justice system to protect Queenslanders.
“The LNP promised to put victims of crime at the heart of justice which is why we will bring in the ‘best of the best’ to oversee the reform of the DNA Forensics Lab with Dr Kirsty Wright,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“After more than two years and less than 2% of cases retested, it’s clear Labor can’t be trusted to deliver the justice and reform that’s needed.
“The LNP has charted a clear course to deliver justice for thousands of crime victims who have been let down in Labor’s DNA Debacle.
“Our plan will guide the reform of the Lab and oversee a review of historic cases, to deliver justice faster.
“Dr Wright’s expertise and determination exposed the failings of the DNA Lab, now they can help deliver the reform desperately needed.
“Labor’s failure to include Dr Wright in the reform process has locked-out the best expert, while rapists and murders walk free.
“Justice must be served and the LNP has a plan to restore safety to our community.”
Dr Wright's findings and recommendations would be reported to Government and the Forensic Science Queensland Advisory Council.
Shadow Attorney-General Tim Nicholls said the LNP’s announcement would guide reform of the Lab and a review of historic cases, to deliver justice for victims faster.
“Time’s up for Labor, Queensland needs a fresh start and the LNP has the Right Plan to deliver the reform needed for the DNA Lab,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Labor can’t be trusted on the DNA Lab, it’s been six-months since the second Inquiry and victims are still waiting to be contacted about their cases, while retesting is barely progressing.
“Without the proper oversight, we risk justice never being served for some of the most serious cases in Queensland’s history.
“Shockingly, whistleblowers are now telling the LNP the Lab is not independently verifying equipment, and has instead been self-certifying, in spite of the Inquiry’s findings.
“Given the alarming revelations which shook our justice system to its core, the best experts must oversee the reform and ensure it is done right.
“We cannot allow victims to receive any further setbacks and we must ensure the rapists and murders who are walking free are identified through accurate DNA testing.
“Only the LNP has the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”
