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This information was provided by Prisoners’ Legal Service, Queensland. It is information only and should not be relied on as legal advice.
In criminal law proceedings throughout Australia, DNA evidence can sometimes be relied on to make a case against a defendant. DNA evidence is generally obtained by collecting samples of bodily fluids and tissues. These samples are then tested to assess if a person has matching DNA.
In Queensland, there have been concerns raised about the way DNA evidence is processed and examined in forensic laboratories.
In response to these concerns, the Queensland Government requested an independent review of Forensic Services Queensland (FSQ). FSQ is the provider of DNA testing services for police investigations and legal proceedings within the Queensland justice system.
On 4 August 2025, a report about the outcomes of the review was provided to the Queensland Government.
During the review of FSQ, several issues were identified in relation to their DNA testing procedures. These included case backlogs, long turnaround times, quality of DNA samples, gaps in scientific knowledge and a lack of workplace communication.
The main area of concern was backlogs and delays in testing. For example, it was found that, because of the backlogs and issues with testing procedures, cases in the Magistrates Court which rely on DNA evidence were being delayed by up to 3 years.
The report made recommendations about how the issues with DNA testing in Queensland could be resolved and suggested three main strategies:
The report noted there had already been several positive changes made by FSQ.
In response to the report, the Queensland Government announced the formation of a new expert team to address the issues with DNA testing in Queensland. The government has advised that it will assess the recommendations of the report over the coming months.
In criminal law proceedings throughout Australia, DNA evidence can sometimes be relied on to make a case against a defendant. DNA evidence is generally obtained by collecting samples of bodily fluids and tissues. These samples are then tested to assess if a person has matching DNA.
In Queensland, there have been concerns raised about the way DNA evidence is processed and examined in forensic laboratories.
In response to these concerns, the Queensland Government requested an independent review of Forensic Services Queensland (FSQ). FSQ is the provider of DNA testing services for police investigations and legal proceedings within the Queensland justice system.
On 4 August 2025, a report about the outcomes of the review was provided to the Queensland Government.
During the review of FSQ, several issues were identified in relation to their DNA testing procedures. These included case backlogs, long turnaround times, quality of DNA samples, gaps in scientific knowledge and a lack of workplace communication.
The main area of concern was backlogs and delays in testing. For example, it was found that, because of the backlogs and issues with testing procedures, cases in the Magistrates Court which rely on DNA evidence were being delayed by up to 3 years.
The report made recommendations about how the issues with DNA testing in Queensland could be resolved and suggested three main strategies:
The report noted there had already been several positive changes made by FSQ.
In response to the report, the Queensland Government announced the formation of a new expert team to address the issues with DNA testing in Queensland. The government has advised that it will assess the recommendations of the report over the coming months.
PLS does not practise in criminal law. If you have questions or concerns about DNA evidence and/or how this review may impact your criminal law proceedings, you should talk to your criminal lawyer.
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Through these articles, we provide information on relevant areas of law. This first article provides basic information to make it easier for family and friends to support you. There are differences in the ways the systems operate depending on where you’re located (VIC, NSW, ACT or TAS), so we hope this is useful and relevant to where you are.
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