Troubled DNA lab still lacks key tech

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 7, 2026

Queensland’s forensic DNA laboratory has yet to implement the critical Y-STR testing method nearly four years after a public inquiry recommended its urgent adoption, continuing to rely on external labs for this technique. This delay, alongside recent clerical errors in DNA reports, raises concerns about the lab’s ability to manage sexual assault investigations effectively, prompting a $37 million funding boost to enhance its capabilities.

Queensland’s forensic DNA laboratory remains without a critical DNA profiling technique nearly four years after a public inquiry urged its urgent adoption, raising concerns about the state's capacity to handle sexual assault investigations effectively.

The method, known as Y-STR testing, enables detection of small amounts of male DNA and has been widely used in New South Wales since 2009, and across most Australian forensic laboratories for at least eight years. Former judge Walter Sofronoff’s 2022 report on Queensland’s DNA testing failures recommended that the state-run laboratory expedite validation and implementation of Y-STR technology, with an objective to have it fully operational by June 2023.

Despite these recommendations, the technique remains unavailable in Queensland. In January 2025, Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) indicated plans to develop the necessary IT infrastructure early in the year to support Y-STR testing. However, the laboratory has yet to introduce the process, according to recent disclosures. An FSQ spokesperson noted the lab is in the “final stages” of renewing its process to obtain accreditation from the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), accompanied by staff training and consultation.

The laboratory initially attempted to adopt Y-STR testing in 2015 but encountered repeated setbacks primarily due to pressures to meet rapid turnaround times for police and a shortage of research funding. Meanwhile, Queensland has been relying on outsourcing Y-STR testing to external laboratories.

Judge Sofronoff characterized Queensland’s failure to implement the testing method as falling short of best practices, describing it as a “lost opportunity” to enhance the investigation of sexual assault cases, given that all other Australian forensic providers have incorporated Y-STR technology.

The revelations come amid further scrutiny of the laboratory, following the discovery of typographical errors in DNA statements submitted to police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Forensic Science Queensland director Mick Fuller disclosed that over 900 statements are under review due to issues such as incorrect case numbers and erroneous dates. Fuller indicated these were primarily clerical mistakes.

Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington stated that, to her knowledge, these clerical errors have not influenced any criminal outcomes. She acknowledged ongoing efforts to rebuild the troubled laboratory, describing the task as “huge” but asserting that “major progress” has been made.

Frecklington also highlighted the role of outsourcing samples to overseas laboratories in resolving the substantial backlog of rape kits, which had been reported to be twenty times larger than the backlog in Victoria. She confirmed the backlog has been cleared and announced a $37 million investment in FSQ’s budget for the current year, intended to bolster the laboratory’s resources and improve its operations to ensure victims in Queensland receive appropriate prioritization and service.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.