Forensic Science Queensland to Restart Local Sexual Assault Kit Testing in July 2026

Outsourcing to the US cleared over 600 kits at a cost of $50 million over two years. Local testing aims for a 5–10 day turnaround.

Background

Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) faced two commissions of inquiry over testing failures and cultural issues that may have led to miscarriages of justice. A 2025 report indicated that cases in magistrates' court relying on DNA evidence were delayed by up to three years.

Current Status

Director Mick Fuller confirmed that US results were turned around within 60 days, while local testing is targeting 5–10 working days. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington stated that all 601 outstanding sexual assault testing kits have been cleared.

The backlog of DNA samples from major crimes dropped from 11,703 in November 2024 to 3,488 in May 2026 — a reduction of about 70%. Meanwhile, a historic backlog of retesting, which started at around 40,000 samples, has been reduced to 20,000 as of the report date.

Statements

Mick Fuller: "The goal for me is to restart the sexual assault testing in probably July this year... We never want another backlog with the sexual assault kits."

Deb Frecklington: "This means victims of sexual violence in particular can get answers sooner... It means police can get their evidence to courts sooner."

Mick Fuller on the historic backlog: "It started at a number around 40,000, and it's down to 20,000... I'll make a promise to all the victims in Queensland. We are getting through them."

Personnel Changes

Mick Fuller, former NSW police commissioner, was appointed FSQ director in August 2025 after former director Dr. Linzi Wilson-Wilde resigned following identified contamination issues.