Forensic Science Queensland director Linzi Wilson-Wilde suspended after 'contamination issues' identified
The director of Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) has been immediately suspended by the state's attorney-general after "contamination issues" were identified.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said she moved to immediately suspend the director, Linzi Wilson-Wilde, who was appointed in September 2024, pending a show cause notice for removal.
"This action was taken following advice I received today that FSQ was placing a general pause on routine DNA testing after contamination issues were identified," Ms Frecklington said in a statement.
Ms Frecklington's office could not provide any further details on the contamination issues.
It is not known how long Dr Wilson-Wilde has to respond to the notice.
FSQ is an independent statutory authority and forensic service provider, which supports the criminal justice and coronial systems with specialised services in forensic biology and forensic chemistry.
Two commissions of inquiry, in 2022 and 2023, found serious failings over many years at the FSQ lab, including a "fatally flawed" automated testing method that might have seen offenders escaping conviction.
More than 120 recommendations were made during the commissions of inquiry to address "disturbing and troubling" issues which have meant tens of thousands of samples may need retesting.
Dr Wilson-Wilde became director in September 2024 after joining FSQ as interim chief executive in January 2023.
Ms Frecklington said FSQ's pause in operations would be for a preliminary period of seven days followed by a review to determine the next steps.
"The government has been advised FSQ will continue to progress urgent matters in a limited capacity during this time and that this can be done with appropriate controls," she said.
Ms Frecklington said the government was "firmly committed to fixing the long-standing issues at Forensic Science Queensland".
When contacted by the ABC Dr Wilson-Wilde declined to comment.
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