Forensic Science Queensland Bill 2023

As committee chair, recommended the bill be passed. Praised the bill for establishing an independent statutory framework for forensic services and acknowledged the advocacy of Shandee Blackburn's mother Vicki and Dr Kirsty Wright.

“I am proud to be part of a government dedicated to bringing justice to victims of crime by ensuring that Queensland's forensic services are of a world-class standard.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

As Minister, moved the second reading and commended the bill as a major step in implementing recommendations from the 2022 commission of inquiry into forensic DNA testing, establishing a statutory framework to rebuild public confidence in forensic services.

“The Forensic Science Queensland Bill is designed to keep the role, purpose and impact of forensic services in Queensland at the forefront. It outlines the essential components for excellence in a forensic services system and incorporates measures to safeguard its integrity.”— 2024-03-07View Hansard

Welcomed the legislative changes but strongly criticised the government for the DNA lab failures, noting 37,000 cases require retesting. Described it as a massive miscarriage of justice.

“Whilst these changes are welcome, a properly functioning forensic science lab is a critical part of our criminal justice system.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Stated the opposition will not oppose the bill while criticising the government for being slow to acknowledge failures at the DNA lab and initially resisting calls for a commission of inquiry. Acknowledged the advocacy of Vicki Blackburn and Dr Kirsty Wright in bringing the issues to light.

“Every victim of crime and every family who stands behind them deserves justice, and that is why the opposition will not oppose the passage of this legislation. It is our sincere hope on this side of the chamber that the changes in this bill can deliver just that—justice—because for too long and for too many justice may not have been done.”— 2024-03-07View Hansard

As committee member, supported the bill and defended the government's response. Noted all submitters were generally supportive of the bill with minimal changes suggested.

“The committee made a single recommendation, and that is that the bill be passed.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Strongly criticised the government's handling of the DNA lab failures and accused the bill of being designed to cover up the government's failures. Raised detailed questions about retesting progress and victim notification.

“The Forensic Science Queensland Bill is designed to cover up this government's failures in the DNA lab—failures which have rendered an unknown tally of victims of crime, failures which have rendered them and their families without justice.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

As committee member, supported the bill and emphasised the importance of trust in forensic services for victims of violent crime. Noted the government accepted recommendations and the bill implements a statutory framework.

“When you hand yourself over to this journey it is so important that all of those component parts of the system work both in isolation and collectively.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Explicitly stated LNP supports the bill but heavily criticised the government for not implementing all Sofronoff recommendations in full. Argued the culture of arrogance and cover-up had not changed.

“We support this bill and we hope that it fixes all the issues that have been identified.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Supported the bill as groundbreaking legislation making Queensland the first jurisdiction in Australia to establish forensic services delivery through legislation.

“I am proud to speak on this bill as part of the Miles Labor government, dedicated to bringing justice to victims of crime.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Acknowledged the need for the bill and commended whistleblowers but raised concerns about the absence of rules around DNA technology and the need for better education of police, lawyers and the public on DNA evidence.

“We are talking about people's lives, their futures and their standing in society. The stakes could not be higher.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Spoke in support of the bill to restore public confidence in forensic services. Noted over 80 per cent of the 123 recommendations from the inquiry have been implemented or partially implemented.

“I am pleased to speak in support of the bill before us today because it will restore public confidence in Queensland's forensic services and our criminal justice system.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Strongly criticised the government's maladministration and culture of cover-up at the forensic lab. Had a personal connection through the Shandee Blackburn case in her electorate. Expressed little confidence the government could oversee the recommendations.

“We will not forget and we will continue to fight and stand up for those victims of crime who were failed by the Palaszczuk-Miles Labor government.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Supported the bill as a genuine attempt to ensure effective and trusted forensic science work. Emphasised the importance of getting it right for both victims and the incarcerated.

“I rise to support the Forensic Science Queensland Bill 2023.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Criticised the government's response as lacklustre and the decision to omit key recommendations such as appointing a chief operations officer. Argued the opposition would continue to push for greater transparency.

“Victims deserve justice and the people of Queensland deserve a forensic laboratory that operates with the utmost integrity and accountability.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Supported the bill as necessary to ensure no more Queenslanders suffer from compromised forensic science. Outlined the statutory framework including the Director, advisory council and independent forensic services.

“This bill must be passed to ensure no more Queenslanders suffer from compromised forensic science.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Acknowledged the legislative framework but heavily criticised the government for being slow to act and at worst dismissive of concerns. Stated the failures marked one of the most significant cases of government maladministration in living memory.

“It has taken unimaginable pain and systemic mismanagement to expose the many failings within Queensland's forensic services system under this state Labor government.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

Strongly criticised the government for failing to manage forensic services, calling it one of the greatest failings in the criminal justice system the world has ever seen. Paid tribute to Vicki Blackburn and Dr Kirsty Wright for their advocacy.

“I put to you, Mr Deputy Speaker, that this is one of the greatest failings in the criminal justice system that the world has ever seen.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard

As Minister, moved the bill and replied in debate. Outlined the government's investment of almost $200 million in reforming forensic services and noted 103 of 123 recommendations have been implemented or partially implemented.

“I am proud to say that the bill provides the appropriate legislative framework to facilitate these efforts.”— 2024-03-19View Hansard