Inquiry reveals alarm among scientists over Queensland forensics lab's new DNA procedure

Multiple scientists at Queensland's state-run forensics laboratory have detailed their alarm and confusion over a DNA testing procedure, which was introduced after major concerns were raised about the previous process. Key points: The new process was introduced to replace the contentious testing threshold, which initially sparked the inquiry The hearings heard the change made "no scientific sense" and scientists are questioning whether it was a ministerial decision One scientist said the process significantly lowered the chances of obtaining an "optimal" DNA profile Scientist Ingrid Moeller told a commission of inquiry this week, that the new testing procedure was "disturbing" and "nonsensical". When the Queensland government announced the public inquiry following a cabinet meeting in June –six months after serious allegations about forensic testing were detailed in the Australian newspaper's podcast Shandee's Story – the Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the DIFP threshold would immediately be removed and every sample would be sent for DNA processing. 'Didn't make scientific sense to me' Giving evidence last Monday, reporting scientist Alicia Quartermain said she questioned the new procedure when it was announced in June, saying she thought it wasn't the best way to process samples and asked Ms Allen why the decision had been made. Reporting scientist Rhys Parry said he believed the process to be problematic, and significantly lowered the chances of obtaining an "optimal" DNA profile.