The Palaszczuk Labor Government has announced the establishment of a second independent Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA testing and extraction methods in Queensland. Known as Project 13, this inquiry comes in response to concerns raised since the previous Commission of Inquiry. Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has acknowledged that concerns have been brought to her attention regarding the automated DNA extraction method introduced in 2007 under Project 13.
The new inquiry, led by retired judge Annabelle Bennett AC, will specifically address the concerns raised following the results of the previous inquiry chaired by Commissioner Walter Sofronoff KC. As a result of this second inquiry, an additional 7,000 serious crime and sexual assault cases will be re-examined, bringing the total number of cases to be reviewed to nearly 40,000. The commissioner will have the authority to interview experts who provided advice during the initial inquiry to determine if the recommendations were adequate.
The Commissioner’s final report and recommendations are expected to be completed by November 17, 2023. According to Ms. Fentiman, this new inquiry aims to conduct a thorough and transparent review of the matters raised and rebuild the forensic and DNA testing system in Queensland. Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath also emphasizes the importance of restoring public trust in the justice system, particularly regarding the collection, extraction, and testing of DNA.
It is worth noting that progress has already been made based on the recommendations from the previous Commission of Inquiry. Currently, 34 recommendations are already in place, and another 68 are in progress, accounting for nearly 83 percent of all 123 recommendations. This progress has resulted in new convictions for sexual assault cases and one homicide conviction. Ms. Bennett, an experienced and respected jurist, has been appointed as the commissioner for this second inquiry, with the aim of delivering justice to the victims of crime and rebuilding trust in the forensic science system in Queensland.