Health Minister Yvette D’Ath says the state government will demand answers over the extraordinary bombshells out of an interim report into the state’s forensics lab.

It has been revealed that the threshold for testing DNA samples changed in 2018, meaning samples with low levels were either deemed “DNA insufficient for further processing” or “no DNA detected”.

The findings detailed in the interim report from the commission of inquiry has been labelled “shocking” by the Premier.

A frustrated Ms D’Ath said the government wanted answers as to who made those critical decisions, and why.

“This is so significant, I think probably one of the most significant things across our justice system that we have ever seen in our lifetime,” she told Peter Fegan, filling in on Brisbane Live.

Thousands of DNA samples dating back to 2018 could now be reviewed, potentially calling in to question hundreds of crimes and cases.

A police taskforce has been set up to re-examine samples.

Ms D’Ath said she is aware of the reasons why two senior staffers from the lab were stood down today, but refused to comment as to the circumstances.

“The decision made today by the Director-General was absolutely the right decision in relation to these individuals and needed to be made so that we can ensure the confidence of the public in our forensic services and the work being done and the very very important work we have to do going forward.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ms D’Ath address ambulance ramping, the DNA lab bungle and more

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