Reforms on track at Queensland Health Scientific Services

The backlog of DNA samples and clandestine drug laboratory cases awaiting analysis continue to fall as a result of reforms to Queensland Health Scientific Services (QHSS).

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today that additional scientific staff and cutting-edge automated testing equipment had enabled the QHSS DNA laboratory to speed up sample analysis.

“The backlog of clandestine drug laboratory cases has fallen from 198 cases at 30 June 2005 to 60 at 30 October 2006.

“The time to test these drug labs for the courts has also fallen dramatically from an average two and a half (2.5) years to 6 months over the same period.

“And the backlog of DNA exhibits has fallen 28% from 23,000 in December 2005 to 16,200 at 30 October 2006.

“The overall number of samples analysed over the past 12 months in the DNA laboratory for volume crime cases has increased by 135% and major crime by 29%.

“I’m advised this increase in testing ensures we are on track to eliminate the backlog of DNA samples by the end of 2007 as promised.”

Mr Robertson said the improved QHSS performance had resulted from significant reforms being implemented by the Beattie Government.

“The initial $11 million invested by the State Government to implement these important reforms will be supplemented by an additional $30 million funding over the next four years.

“The12-month report card on the QHSS Reforms presented to State Cabinet shows we are making good progress.

“Last October, Cabinet approved 71 reform actions arising from a comprehensive review of government forensic and scientific services operated by QHSS.

“To date, 80% of reforms tasks have been completed within the first 12 months of the 16-month process and the rest are on track for completion during 2007.”

Mr Robertson said total staffing at the DNA laboratory has been doubled to approximately 100 scientific staff.

“The DNA laboratory has also been refurbished to accommodate the extra scientific staff.

“And we have four new high-technology automated testing machines which allow us to improve the speed of testing as well as the volume of samples being tested.

“Two of these machines are in operation at the DNA Laboratory and the other two are currently being calibrated to come on line early in the new year,” Mr Robertson said.

Police Minister Judy Spence welcomed the backlog reduction in illegal drug laboratories.

“There has been a steady increase in clandestine laboratories being detected across Australia,” Ms Spence said.

“In 1996-97 there were 58 detected, but during 2005-06 there were 376 clandestine laboratories detected and shut down across Australia.

“Of those detected in 2005-06, 160 were in Queensland – which amounts to 42.5% of the total national laboratory seizures.

Ms Spence said the Queensland Government was committed to reducing all levels of drug crime – whether it is the use, sale or manufacture of drugs.

“We have also introduced laws to help reduce drug use and manufacture such as enabling powder-drug detection dogs to be used in licensed premises, and increased controls on precursor chemicals, scientific apparatus and pill presses,” Ms Spence said.

“Amendments to the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 have created new offences for the possession of precursors such as pseudoephedrine, and the possession of certain combinations of chemicals used in illicit drug production.”

MEDIA: PAUL LYNCH  3234 1190