Latest news with #Queenslanders
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Lab boss suspended in latest DNA contamination scandal
The director of a state-run forensic testing lab has been suspended and will be asked to explain why they should not be removed in the latest scandal over botched DNA sampling. It follows a pause in testing sparked by the identification of contamination issues at Forensic Science Queensland, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said on Friday. "This action was taken following advice I received today that (Forensic Science Queensland) was placing a general pause on routine DNA testing after contamination issues were identified," she said. The pause will be reviewed after seven days as the lab determines next steps. Urgent matters will progress in a limited capacity with appropriate controls, Ms Frecklington said. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 following multiple inquiries, one of which revealed a "fundamentally flawed" automated DNA extraction method might have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Many samples went untested while others were incorrectly ruled insufficient, an earlier inquiry found. The inquiries also elicited characterisations of a "toxic" culture at the state-run forensic lab. More than 40,000 samples fell within the scope of a historical review process, of which close to 10,000 had been reviewed as of May. Linzi Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September after serving as interim chief executive. Dr Wilson-Wilde was stepping into "what will undoubtedly be a very challenging role", Ms Frecklington said at the time. Following news of the testing pause, Ms Frecklington moved to immediately suspend her, pending a show cause notice for removal. "I want to assure Queenslanders the Crisafulli government remains firmly committed to fixing the long-standing issues at Forensic Science Queensland," she said. The director of a state-run forensic testing lab has been suspended and will be asked to explain why they should not be removed in the latest scandal over botched DNA sampling. It follows a pause in testing sparked by the identification of contamination issues at Forensic Science Queensland, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said on Friday. "This action was taken following advice I received today that (Forensic Science Queensland) was placing a general pause on routine DNA testing after contamination issues were identified," she said. The pause will be reviewed after seven days as the lab determines next steps. Urgent matters will progress in a limited capacity with appropriate controls, Ms Frecklington said. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 following multiple inquiries, one of which revealed a "fundamentally flawed" automated DNA extraction method might have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Many samples went untested while others were incorrectly ruled insufficient, an earlier inquiry found. The inquiries also elicited characterisations of a "toxic" culture at the state-run forensic lab. More than 40,000 samples fell within the scope of a historical review process, of which close to 10,000 had been reviewed as of May. Linzi Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September after serving as interim chief executive. Dr Wilson-Wilde was stepping into "what will undoubtedly be a very challenging role", Ms Frecklington said at the time. Following news of the testing pause, Ms Frecklington moved to immediately suspend her, pending a show cause notice for removal. "I want to assure Queenslanders the Crisafulli government remains firmly committed to fixing the long-standing issues at Forensic Science Queensland," she said. The director of a state-run forensic testing lab has been suspended and will be asked to explain why they should not be removed in the latest scandal over botched DNA sampling. It follows a pause in testing sparked by the identification of contamination issues at Forensic Science Queensland, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said on Friday. "This action was taken following advice I received today that (Forensic Science Queensland) was placing a general pause on routine DNA testing after contamination issues were identified," she said. The pause will be reviewed after seven days as the lab determines next steps. Urgent matters will progress in a limited capacity with appropriate controls, Ms Frecklington said. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 following multiple inquiries, one of which revealed a "fundamentally flawed" automated DNA extraction method might have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Many samples went untested while others were incorrectly ruled insufficient, an earlier inquiry found. The inquiries also elicited characterisations of a "toxic" culture at the state-run forensic lab. More than 40,000 samples fell within the scope of a historical review process, of which close to 10,000 had been reviewed as of May. Linzi Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September after serving as interim chief executive. Dr Wilson-Wilde was stepping into "what will undoubtedly be a very challenging role", Ms Frecklington said at the time. Following news of the testing pause, Ms Frecklington moved to immediately suspend her, pending a show cause notice for removal. "I want to assure Queenslanders the Crisafulli government remains firmly committed to fixing the long-standing issues at Forensic Science Queensland," she said. The director of a state-run forensic testing lab has been suspended and will be asked to explain why they should not be removed in the latest scandal over botched DNA sampling. It follows a pause in testing sparked by the identification of contamination issues at Forensic Science Queensland, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said on Friday. "This action was taken following advice I received today that (Forensic Science Queensland) was placing a general pause on routine DNA testing after contamination issues were identified," she said. The pause will be reviewed after seven days as the lab determines next steps. Urgent matters will progress in a limited capacity with appropriate controls, Ms Frecklington said. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 following multiple inquiries, one of which revealed a "fundamentally flawed" automated DNA extraction method might have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Many samples went untested while others were incorrectly ruled insufficient, an earlier inquiry found. The inquiries also elicited characterisations of a "toxic" culture at the state-run forensic lab. More than 40,000 samples fell within the scope of a historical review process, of which close to 10,000 had been reviewed as of May. Linzi Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September after serving as interim chief executive. Dr Wilson-Wilde was stepping into "what will undoubtedly be a very challenging role", Ms Frecklington said at the time. Following news of the testing pause, Ms Frecklington moved to immediately suspend her, pending a show cause notice for removal. "I want to assure Queenslanders the Crisafulli government remains firmly committed to fixing the long-standing issues at Forensic Science Queensland," she said.
Perth Now
13 hours ago
- Perth Now
Lab boss suspended in latest DNA contamination scandal
The director of a state-run forensic testing lab has been suspended and will be asked to explain why they should not be removed in the latest scandal over botched DNA sampling. It follows a pause in testing sparked by the identification of contamination issues at Forensic Science Queensland, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said on Friday. "This action was taken following advice I received today that (Forensic Science Queensland) was placing a general pause on routine DNA testing after contamination issues were identified," she said. The pause will be reviewed after seven days as the lab determines next steps. Urgent matters will progress in a limited capacity with appropriate controls, Ms Frecklington said. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 following multiple inquiries, one of which revealed a "fundamentally flawed" automated DNA extraction method might have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Many samples went untested while others were incorrectly ruled insufficient, an earlier inquiry found. The inquiries also elicited characterisations of a "toxic" culture at the state-run forensic lab. More than 40,000 samples fell within the scope of a historical review process, of which close to 10,000 had been reviewed as of May. Linzi Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September after serving as interim chief executive. Dr Wilson-Wilde was stepping into "what will undoubtedly be a very challenging role", Ms Frecklington said at the time. Following news of the testing pause, Ms Frecklington moved to immediately suspend her, pending a show cause notice for removal. "I want to assure Queenslanders the Crisafulli government remains firmly committed to fixing the long-standing issues at Forensic Science Queensland," she said.
Sky News AU
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Sky News AU
AFL: Gold Coast Suns intent on keeping Sam Flanders
Suns coach Damien Hardwick has suggested rival clubs shouldn't waste their time trying to lure midfielder Sam Flanders away from the Gold Coast. Flanders, 23, is contracted to the Suns until the end of the 2027 AFL season; however, reports have emerged that St Kilda and some other Victorian clubs are keen to bring Flanders back to his home state sooner. However, Hardwick has no intention of letting go of the Gippsland product. 'We're not in the business of trading our very best players, so Sam Flanders won't be going anywhere,' the Suns coach said on Friday. 'I've got a real soft spot for Sam. He's one of my favourites. He's been really challenged this year with injury but … we're really positive about his back end of the year. 'He's the solution for us. He's an outstanding player. When he plays at his very best with Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson and Touk Miller … we're a different side.' Flanders isn't the only Suns star being reportedly chased by Victorian clubs, with off-contract on-baller Rowell and forward Ben King also linked with moves south. However, Hardwick said the Suns – who have won eight from 12 this season ahead of their clash on Sunday against the GWS Giants at Engie Stadium – were set to become a club that top players from other teams would want to join in a similar way to fellow Queenslanders and reigning premiers Brisbane. 'We've got to make sure this is the very best environment for players,' the former Richmond three-time premiership-winning coach said, 'We've got opposition clubs speaking to our players and we're speaking to opposition players. 'We want to keep our very good players, (and) we're also happy to take a few as well.' Hardwick's Suns are hoping to avoid a third successive defeat on Sunday after suffering back-to-back loss before their bye last weekend. 'We're really bullish about how far we can go,' he said ahead of the 'next shift' in the Suns' battle to play finals football for the first time. 'We've put to bed the first part of the year. This part of the year is really important. The contenders stand up and the pretenders fall away. That's the challenge from here on in. 'We're really excited about the next block of four games (against the Giants, Melbourne, Essendon and Collingwood) that's going to present an opportunity for us. 'We're firmly zone in on what that looks like. We've got some areas of our game that we really like, but we've certainly got a lot of improvement left in us as well.' Originally published as Gold Coast Suns star Sam Flanders isn't 'going anywhere' despite interest from Victorian clubs
Perth Now
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sam's our man, says Suns coach
Suns coach Damien Hardwick has suggested rival clubs shouldn't waste their time trying to lure midfielder Sam Flanders away from the Gold Coast. Flanders, 23, is contracted to the Suns until the end of the 2027 AFL season; however, reports have emerged that St Kilda and some other Victorian clubs are keen to bring Flanders back to his home state sooner. However, Hardwick has no intention of letting go of the Gippsland product. 'We're not in the business of trading our very best players, so Sam Flanders won't be going anywhere,' the Suns coach said on Friday. 'I've got a real soft spot for Sam. He's one of my favourites. He's been really challenged this year with injury but … we're really positive about his back end of the year. 'He's the solution for us. He's an outstanding player. When he plays at his very best with Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson and Touk Miller … we're a different side.' Gold Coast midfielder Sam Flanders is among of Suns coach Damien Hardwick's 'favourites'. Gold Coast Suns Credit: News Corp Australia Flanders isn't the only Suns star being reportedly chased by Victorian clubs, with off-contract on-baller Rowell and forward Ben King also linked with moves south. However, Hardwick said the Suns – who have won eight from 12 this season ahead of their clash on Sunday against the GWS Giants at Engie Stadium – were set to become a club that top players from other teams would want to join in a similar way to fellow Queenslanders and reigning premiers Brisbane. 'We've got to make sure this is the very best environment for players,' the former Richmond three-time premiership-winning coach said, 'We've got opposition clubs speaking to our players and we're speaking to opposition players. 'We want to keep our very good players, (and) we're also happy to take a few as well.' Hardwick's Suns are hoping to avoid a third successive defeat on Sunday after suffering back-to-back loss before their bye last weekend. 'We're really bullish about how far we can go,' he said ahead of the 'next shift' in the Suns' battle to play finals football for the first time. 'We've put to bed the first part of the year. This part of the year is really important. The contenders stand up and the pretenders fall away. That's the challenge from here on in. 'We're really excited about the next block of four games (against the Giants, Melbourne, Essendon and Collingwood) that's going to present an opportunity for us. 'We're firmly zone in on what that looks like. We've got some areas of our game that we really like, but we've certainly got a lot of improvement left in us as well.'
Perth Now
17 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Row erupts over state's $2.5bn brag
Cash-strapped state governments are looking west with envy as Western Australia pulls in its large slice of the GST carve up despite the healthiest books in the country. Resource-rich WA posted a $2.5bn operating surplus on Thursday – it's seventh budget surplus in a row. From Friday it is set to receive its share of the GST pool of 75 cents in the dollar, despite its strong revenue stream from its resources sector. State premiers and treasurers have been agitating for changes to the GST distribution, since the final figures were announced in March, and ahead of the funds formally being dished out on Friday. WA Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti delivered the state Labor government's seventh straight surplus this week. NewsWire / Philip Gostelow Credit: News Corp Australia WA is still enjoying the windfalls of a 2018 GST deal struck under previous Coalition government by then-treasurer Scott Morrison and backed in by the Albanese government, where WA is guaranteed 75 cents of every dollar paid in GST. Without this benchmark, WA would have received as little as 18 cents back. The WA Premier and Treasurer credited their economic management for this week's operating surplus and healthy debt forecasts. Iron ore prices are hovering at $US95 while the state government has done its forecasting with an expectation of $US72 a tonne. But every state and territory except WA has been posting deficits since the 75 cent distribution reforms in 2018. Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki says his state is being punished for economic productivity. NewsWire / Tertius Pickard Credit: News Corp Australia The Queensland Treasurer feels short-changed, as strong coal royalties pad the state coffers. Victoria and NSW's slices of the GST pie are set to expand while Queensland's portion gets a trim. 'This money belongs to Queenslanders and we should not be punished because of our support for industries that underpin our national wealth,' state Treasurer David Janetzki said. The impending Queensland state budget, to be delivered on Tuesday, will show the effects of a dip in coal prices after an $8.8bn royalties windfall during the past four years. Despite the Sunshine State's royalty take coming down, Queensland's GST payout this year falls by $1.1bn to $16.5bn. In a speech to the National Press Club on Wednesday, federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who has historically opposed raising the GST rate, left the door slightly open to raising it from 10 per cent – the amount the excise has remained for the past 25 years. 'I've, for a decade or more, had a view about the GST,' he told The Conversation. 'I repeated that view at the Press Club because I thought that was the honest thing to do, but what I'm going to genuinely try and do, whether it's in this policy area or in other policy areas, is to not limit what people might bring to the table.' Queensland Nationals Senator Matt Canavan is a big fan of coal, and royalties on the natural resource have hugely benefited the state budget in the past few years. NewsWire / Dylan Robinson Credit: NCA NewsWire This year, Queensland is the only state or territory getting less than previous years, while every other jurisdiction is getting more. Victoria is set to become a net-recipient of the GST pool for the first time as well. 'It used to be the case that our friends in Victoria would help us shoulder the burden in supporting all the other states,' NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said last month. 'Victoria is now a recipient state, to quite a large degree, $1.07 (per dollar taxed) is what they're getting. 'I'm going to continue to speak out, particularly about the fact that NSW is now carrying the federation when it comes to GST distribution.' The Northern Territory receives $5.15 for every dollar it contributes, far and away the largest return. Despite having the second largest population, Victoria receives the largest portion of the total pool, getting 27.5 per cent; with a $3.6bn year-on-year increase this time around.
