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Queensland Clears Rape‑Kit Backlog, Cuts Major‑Crime DNA Delays by About 70%

Local testing is set to restart in July with faster 5–10 day turnarounds.

Overview

  • Queensland officials said Monday the 601 outstanding sexual assault examination kits have now been tested under a two‑year outsourcing plan.
  • The major‑crime DNA queue fell from 11,703 samples in November 2024 to 3,488 in May 2026, which the government says will speed police briefs and court cases.
  • Forensic Science Queensland plans to resume in‑state rape‑kit testing in July with results targeted in 5 to 10 business days, after overseas runs took up to about 60 days.
  • About 20,000 historic DNA samples still need fresh analysis, a careful process that checks chain‑of‑custody and quality controls before any result is issued.
  • The state named new deputy directors Saranjeet Khera and Kirsten Eades as part of reforms after inquiries found contamination, faulty testing thresholds, old gear, and weak oversight at the lab.