George Christensen (Dawson, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In February 2013, a young Mackay woman, 23-year-old Shandee Blackburn, was brutally stabbed to death on her way home from work. It was an horrific crime that rocked our community, and it remains unsolved. In the last few days, however, as a result of an investigative podcast by the Australian's Hedley Thomas, we have learnt there are some very serious questions being raised about the DNA testing at Queensland's government-run laboratory. Samples sent to that lab have not been fully tested and, on a number of occasions, DNA could not be detected—not even in a sample of Shandee's own blood.

One of this country 's most respected forensic scientists, Dr Kirsty Wright, has looked into the case and has grave concerns. Dr Wright is calling for testing at the lab to be suspended and an inquiry conducted. She has said:

… we need a public inquiry because I don't believe the police and the courts can trust any of the DNA results coming out of this lab …

Doctor Wright also said:

… this has the potential to be the biggest forensic disaster in Australia's history.

And yet the Queensland health minister has refused to consider an inquiry or the retesting of the evidence.

The family of Shandee Blackburn—and I spoke with Vicki Blackburn, Shandee's mother, earlier today—have called that response a disgrace. They do deserve better. I'm calling on the Queensland government to take action to immediately investigate that forensics facility and see what can be done to have justice for Shandee.