Queensland announces commission of inquiry into DNA testing amid accusations victims were failed
Queensland’s premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, says a commission of inquiry is necessary to get to the bottom of alleged issues with DNA testing in the state.Queensland’s premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, says a commission of inquiry is necessary to get to the bottom of alleged issues with DNA testing in the state.
“It is clear to me that nothing short of a full, open and rigorous commission of inquiry can restore confidence in DNA testing in this state,” the premier said. The state’s health minister, Y’vette D’Ath, said the timeframe for the commission of inquiry would be up to six months as it was a “complex matter that may take some time”.
An inquiry into Blackburn’s death was announced following the podcast Shandee’s Story examined the alleged handling of DNA evidence in the case. Forensic biologist Dr Kirsty Wright, who was interviewed on the podcast, described the handling of the murder case as a “trainwreck”. “It’s a win for every Queenslander who deserves a justice system that can provide them a level of service. And that’s what we have today.”