New errors uncovered at Queensland's troubled DNA lab

Queensland's Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) lab is conducting an audit of hundreds of statements it provided to police, following the discovery of typographical errors. Over 900 statements, covering just over a third of the total, are being scrutinized, with an error rate of 10 to 15 percent among those already reviewed. These errors include incorrect dates and case numbers.

Forensics Science Queensland director Mick Fuller stated that it would be impossible to rule out if the remaining 600 statements, which have not been examined yet, contain errors that might have affected court cases. The lab's troubles have been highlighted in two previous commissions of inquiry, which led to tens of thousands of DNA samples needing retesting and potential miscarriages of justice.

Dr. Kirsty Wright, a renowned forensic scientist, had been leading a major review of FSQ and was appointed to an advisory role to oversee reforms. However, she unexpectedly left the lab in May, just six months into her year-long contract, and has since been replaced. The progress of the implementation of her recommendations remains unclear.

Despite assurances that none of the errors compromised any criminal court cases, FSQ director Mick Fuller admitted it would be impossible to rule out the possibility of errors in the remaining statements. He affirmed that protocols have been put in place to prevent future transcription errors and that the science is definitively correct.

The government's response to these revelations has been criticized for lacking transparency, with opposition criticising the delay in addressing the issue.