Cathie Allen led the DNA lab that was plagued by scandal as a result of a decision taken in 2018 to test DNA samples in a way that resulted in low-level DNA samples being deemed as “DNA insufficient for further processing” and often led to inconclusive results.
Last year, Allen had recommended low-level DNA samples should go straight to amplification rather than be micro-concentrated which was widely considered to be best practice in order to cover her tracks.
The whistle was blown at Queensland’s Forensic and Scientific Services lab in 2021 and eventually led to the commission of inquiry headed by Walter Sofronoff KC.
Continue reading “Lying lab boss Cathie Allen belatedly sacked”
The commission of inquiry into QLD’s lab scandal has heard Managing scientist of Queensland Health’s Forensic and Scientific Services Cathie Allen recommended for amplification of low-level DNA samples without concentration, when concentration could have detected more serious criminals, but which would cost Queensland Health an estimated $20,000 less and generate less workload for lab staff.
Continue reading “Queensland forensic lab boss Cathie Allen accused of lying”