QUEENSLAND
Forensic Science Queensland has hosted a two-day forum with key stakeholders to discuss and develop the future service delivery model for forensic services in Queensland.
The two-day event was facilitated by internationally renowned and highly respected forensic scientists from the United Kingdom’s Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, and included representatives from government agencies and victims support groups.
This included Queensland Police Service, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Legal Aid Queensland, Queensland Law Society, the Queensland Bar Association and Queensland Health.
Queensland Health said it was “the first time a group of this calibre has come together in this format to collaborate on key issues impacting on the delivery of criminal justice in the state of Queensland”.
Professor Niamh Nic Daeid and Honorary Professor Sheila Willis guided attendees through a series of collaborative exercises to help develop a roadmap for identifying the future forensic science operating model and opportunities for service improvement for the benefit of the Queensland community.
Forensic Science Queensland Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Linzi Wilson-Wide OAM (pictured, right) said attendees actively and positively participated in the forum.
“Representatives from all corners of the forensic services and criminal justice sectors contributed their unique perspectives throughout the forum and were central in developing ideas that will form the basis of the future service delivery model,” Dr Wilson-Wilde said.
She said the Queensland Government was committed to restoring public confidence in Queensland’s DNA and forensic services. This workshop was the first step in responding to Recommendation 1 from the Sofronoff Commission of Inquiry.
“We are already seeing the results of the Sofronoff Commission of Inquiry following a nearly $200 million investment to reform our forensic services.”
“As a result of changes made at the laboratory, we have seen breakthroughs in multiple cases.
“Forensic Science Queensland is also focusing on recruiting additional national and international forensic scientists and other support staff to increase DNA testing capacity.
“A number of outsourcing initiatives to supplement in house capacity have also been put in place and are producing results.
“Work on immediate and longer-term reforms are also progressing well with significant progress already been made – of the 123 recommendations, 50 have been closed, a further 1 completed awaiting formal closure, and 54 are in progress.
“All agencies are looking forward to continuing to collaborate for the betterment of the justice system and for the benefit of Queenslanders,” she said.
