A significant number of criminal cases in Queensland could be brought under review after bombshell findings from an interim report into the state’s forensics lab.

An interim report has brought into question the state’s high threshold for testing DNA samples, which changed in 2018.

The inquiry, headed up by retired judge Walter Sofronoff, was announced earlier this year after potential issues were raised over a case dating back to 2013.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning described the findings as “incredibly concerning” and flagged there will be quick action taken in response.

It’s not known how many cases could be impacted but a new task force has been set up by police.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the implications are significant, particularly for victims of crime.

“If those samples had gone on to further concentration, as was happening before 2018, and as has been happening since June 2022, there is a likelihood that some will find either partial or full DNA.

“So the statements by not having that clarifying fact, that the reason there’s no DNA or insufficient DNA, without stating that it’s because they haven’t been further processed, means that those statements before the courts, are false.

“This is extremely serious and can lead to the potential of miscarriage of justice.”

Nine News reporter Josh Bavas said it’s “unchartered territory”.

“The Opposition says this could be the biggest administrative bundle since the Queensland Health payroll scandal,” he told Peter Fegan, filling in on Brisbane Live.

“However this could have far more serious consequences, and we could be talking about the impacts of thousands of criminal cases in the state, dating back over the last four years.”

The final report will be released towards the end of the year.

A dedicated police taskforce has been set up to review thousands of DNA samples, and a hotline has been established for anyone who think they may have been impacted.

The number is 1300 993 191.

The review takes into consideration such statements dating back to 2018.

— Josh Bavas (@JoshBavas) September 20, 2022

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