New Commission of Inquiry to examine DNA Project 13 Concerns

• New independent Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA testing announced
• Inquiry will be led by retired Federal Court Judge Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC and will address issues raised publicly since the 2022 Commission of Inquiry
• This includes further investigating claims raised about automated DNA extraction methods as they relate to a process known as ‘Project 13’.

The Palaszczuk Government has announced a new independent Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA testing in Queensland.

Led by Dr Annabelle Bennett AC, the new Inquiry will examine concerns regarding Project 13 that have been raised following the conclusion of last year’s Inquiry. 

Dr Bennett is a retired Judge of the Federal Court of Australia, the former president of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences, and was appointed as the Commissioner for the National Natural Disaster Arrangements Inquiry.

The Inquiry’s terms of reference include reviewing recent public statements and other documents in relation to automated DNA extraction methods introduced under what is known as Project 13 and whether the recommendations from the previous Inquiry are sufficient to address this matter.

The Commissioner will be able to interview any, or all, experts whose advice about DNA extraction methods as they relate to Project 13 helped inform the initial Commission of Inquiry’s findings and recommendations.

The Commissioner’s final report and recommendations will be completed by 17 November 2023.

Forensic Science Queensland has already committed to reviewing serious crime cases and associated samples back to 2007, with the flexibility to go further back if required.

A retrospective review of the automated method of DNA extraction, introduced in 2007 and processed by the MultiProbe II instrument, was also a recommendation in the 2022 Commission of Inquiry, and includes samples affected under Project 13.

Significant progress has been made so far on the delivery of recommendations from last year’s Commission of Inquiry, with 34 recommendations having been completed and a further 68 being underway – equating to almost 83% of all recommendations.

The Government has committed almost $200 million so far towards implementing these recommendations.

The progress so far has resulted in justice for victims of crime in Queensland, with new convictions achieved for sexual assault cases and one homicide conviction.

Approximately 7,000 additional serious crime and sexual assault cases will be reviewed as a result of insufficient automated DNA extraction methods, bringing the total number of cases to be reviewed to about 37,000.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health Shannon Fentiman:

“Concerns have been brought to my attention since the 2022 Commission of Inquiry that relate to the automated DNA extraction method that was introduced in October 2007, under what is known as Project 13.

“The original Commission of Inquiry already recommended a number of reviews of DNA processes and sample cohorts, which the Queensland Government supports.

“This new inquiry will ensure a transparent and comprehensive review of matters raised after the original inquiry and is in line with the Queensland Government’s commitment to rebuilding the state’s forensic and DNA testing processes.

“It is why the Queensland Government is investing almost $200 million to support the implementation of all 123 recommendations from the 2022 inquiry.

“We have already seen some very promising results since last year’s Inquiry, and this second Inquiry looking specifically at Project 13 will ensure that the public can have full confidence in our state’s forensic services.”

“I look forward to receiving Dr Annabelle Bennett AC’s final report and recommendations in November.”

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath:

“It’s vitally important Queenslanders have faith in all aspects of their justice system including the collection, extraction, and testing of DNA.

“This new Commission of Inquiry will answer questions and concerns recently raised in relation to what is known as Project 13.

“Dr Bennett is an experienced and respected jurist who is a great choice to lead the Commission of Inquiry.

“Victims of crime and their families are entitled to learn the truth.

“If we are to rebuild trust in our systems, we need to build on the good work already undertaken to turn Forensic Science Queensland into a world leading facility.

ENDS