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  • Second report into troubled DNA lab to be handed down

    Author: AAP

The findings of another inquiry into DNA testing at Queensland's troubled forensic lab are set to be released by the state government.

A six-week review conducted by retired Federal Court judge Annabelle Bennett started last month looking at claims about the lab's automated DNA extraction method, known as Project 13.

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An initial inquiry examining the failings of DNA testing at the state-run lab last year produced damning results.

The 2022 inquiry headed by Walter Sofronoff KC found many DNA samples went untested and the lab incorrectly ruled others "insufficient".

After a police review, it was revealed that 37,000 cases dating back to 2007 were impacted by the DNA testing bungle.

Whistleblower Dr Kirsty Wright - an independent forensic scientist - feared there could be thousands more cases affected by Project 13's testing method.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman called for the second inquiry last month after meeting with Dr Wright, who was a key witness at the initial 2022 probe.

Ms Fentiman was convinced another inquiry should be held after Dr Wright produced documents outlining concerns about Project 13 that she believed had not been addressed.

Ms Fentiman said Dr Bennett's report for the second inquiry would go to cabinet and be released on Monday.

She is set to address the media on Monday and hand down the report.

"If we have missed some really important facts when it came to Project 13 as part of the previous inquiry then we are going to leave no stone unturned," Ms Fentiman said when she announced the second inquiry.

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