Second Inquiry Into Queensland DNA Testing Launched

Dr. Paul McKay, who is working on an vaccine for the 2019-nCoV strain of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, poses for a photograph using a microscope to look at bacteria containing coronavirus, COVID-19, DNA fragments, in a research lab at Imperial College School of Medicine (ICSM) in London on Feb. 10, 2020. Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images

The Palaszczuk Labor Government has announced a second independent Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA testing and extraction methods in Queensland, known as Project 13.

Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said she had received concerns about the matter since the last Commission of Inquiry.

“Concerns have been brought to my attention since the 2022 Commission of Inquiry that relate to the automated DNA extraction method introduced in October 2007 under what is known as Project 13,” she said.

Led by retired judge Annabelle Bennett AC, the new inquiry will investigate concerns regarding Project 13 that have been raised following the results of last year’s inquiry chaired by Commissioner Walter Sofronoff KC.

Under the second inquiry, about 7,000 additional serious crime and sexual assault cases will be re-examined due to insufficient automated DNA extraction methods, bringing the total number of affected cases to be reviewed to almost 40,000.

The new commissioner will be able to interview any or all experts whose advice about DNA extraction methods assisted the initial Commission of Inquiry’s findings and recommendations, and determine whether the recommendations are sufficient to address this matter.

The Commissioner’s final report and recommendations will be completed by Nov. 17, 2023.

Ms. Fentiman said the new inquiry will establish a transparent and comprehensive review of matters raised in the enquiry and rebuild the states’ forensic and DNA testing system.

“This new inquiry will ensure a transparent and comprehensive review of matters raised after the original inquiry and is in line with the Queensland Government’s commitment to rebuilding the state’s forensic and DNA testing processes,” she said.

Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath also echoed the importance of the second inquiry to restore public trust and thanked Dr Bennett for being the commissioner.

“It’s vitally important Queenslanders have faith in all aspects of their justice system, including the collection, extraction, and testing of DNA,” she said.

“This new Commission of Inquiry will answer questions and concerns recently raised in relation to what is known as Project 13.

Ms. D’Ath said Ms. Bennett was an experienced and respected jurist who was a “great choice” to lead the commission.

“Victims of crime and their families are entitled to learn the truth,” she said.

“If we are to rebuild trust in our systems, we need to build on the good work already undertaken to turn Forensic Science Queensland into a world-leading facility.”

Most Recommendations From the Last Inquiry Are Already in Place

Based on last year’s Commission of Inquiry recommendations, serious progress has been made, with 34 recommendations already in place and a further 68 in progress, equating to almost 83 percent of all 123 recommendations.

“The original Commission of Inquiry already recommended a number of reviews of DNA processes and sample cohorts, which the Queensland Government supports,” Ms. Fentiman said.

The progress has resulted in justice for victims of crime in Queensland, with new convictions achieved for sexual assault cases and one homicide conviction.

Ms. Bennett, previously appointed as the Commissioner for the National Natural Disaster Arrangements Inquiry in 2020 and former president of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences, is now a retired Federal Court of Australia judge.