Published Tuesday, 05 June, 2007 at 02:30 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
$15.2 million for Queensland Health Scientific Services
The Beattie Government will spend $15.2 million over two years to continue to strengthen Queensland Health Scientific Services, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today
Mr Robertson said the funding was in addition to $4.85 million over four years allocated through the State Budget to employ more staff in the DNA laboratory, mortuary services and information systems.
“We are continuing to deliver reforms to keep Australia's most comprehensive public health and forensic science laboratory at the forefront of technology,” he said.
“Over two years, $6.993 million will go towards redesign and refurbishment of the DNA testing laboratory.
“This upgrade will ensure that Queensland’s forensic scientists will be able to carry out a high volume of Trace DNA analysis.
“The current laboratories meet international standards but cannot complete high volumes of this specialised analysis which requires a highly controlled testing environment to meet strict anti-contamination procedures.
“There is a growing demand internationally for this science which is able to determine DNA from a fingerprint.
“This cutting-edge technology will continue to ensure the safety of Queenslanders in conjunction with the Queensland Police Service.
“I am pleased to secure this additional funding which will ensure QHSS labs meet the strict standards required for Trace DNA testing.”
Mr Robertson said in 2007/08, $1.712 million would be invested to improve QHSS information systems including new software to streamline lab processes and enhance business efficiency such as reporting and invoicing.
A further $992,000 will fund an expansion of the Forensic Tissue Pathology Lab and purchase additional equipment to meet growing demand in forensic pathology, toxicology and mortuary services.
Mr Robertson said QHSS remained on track to eliminate the backlog of DNA samples by the end of this year.
“As at 30 April 2007, less than 10,000 exhibits are awaiting testing down from 23,000 in December 2005,” he said.
“We have more than doubled the number of forensic DNA exhibits being processed each quarter.
“In the December 2006 quarter, 6,910 forensic DNA exhibits were reported to police compared to just 3,452 in the three months to December 2005.
“The ‘backlog’ of clandestine drug laboratory cases that require analysis has also fallen dramatically, from 197 cases on 30 June 2005 to 66 cases as at 31 March 2007.”
Mr Robertson said a further $5.512 million would be invested over two years to improve water management at the QHSS site.
“QHSS have already reduced water consumption on site by 27% in the last 12 months,” he said.
“This additional funding will be used to capture all the rainwater that falls on site and allow treatment and recycling of water for re use, significantly reducing reliance on mains water.”
5 June, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson said the funding was in addition to $4.85 million over four years allocated through the State Budget to employ more staff in the DNA laboratory, mortuary services and information systems.
“We are continuing to deliver reforms to keep Australia's most comprehensive public health and forensic science laboratory at the forefront of technology,” he said.
“Over two years, $6.993 million will go towards redesign and refurbishment of the DNA testing laboratory.
“This upgrade will ensure that Queensland’s forensic scientists will be able to carry out a high volume of Trace DNA analysis.
“The current laboratories meet international standards but cannot complete high volumes of this specialised analysis which requires a highly controlled testing environment to meet strict anti-contamination procedures.
“There is a growing demand internationally for this science which is able to determine DNA from a fingerprint.
“This cutting-edge technology will continue to ensure the safety of Queenslanders in conjunction with the Queensland Police Service.
“I am pleased to secure this additional funding which will ensure QHSS labs meet the strict standards required for Trace DNA testing.”
Mr Robertson said in 2007/08, $1.712 million would be invested to improve QHSS information systems including new software to streamline lab processes and enhance business efficiency such as reporting and invoicing.
A further $992,000 will fund an expansion of the Forensic Tissue Pathology Lab and purchase additional equipment to meet growing demand in forensic pathology, toxicology and mortuary services.
Mr Robertson said QHSS remained on track to eliminate the backlog of DNA samples by the end of this year.
“As at 30 April 2007, less than 10,000 exhibits are awaiting testing down from 23,000 in December 2005,” he said.
“We have more than doubled the number of forensic DNA exhibits being processed each quarter.
“In the December 2006 quarter, 6,910 forensic DNA exhibits were reported to police compared to just 3,452 in the three months to December 2005.
“The ‘backlog’ of clandestine drug laboratory cases that require analysis has also fallen dramatically, from 197 cases on 30 June 2005 to 66 cases as at 31 March 2007.”
Mr Robertson said a further $5.512 million would be invested over two years to improve water management at the QHSS site.
“QHSS have already reduced water consumption on site by 27% in the last 12 months,” he said.
“This additional funding will be used to capture all the rainwater that falls on site and allow treatment and recycling of water for re use, significantly reducing reliance on mains water.”
5 June, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680