Forensic Science Queensland Bill 2023 (Qld)

An Act to establish the Director of Forensic Science Queensland and for related purposes, and to amend this Act, the Evidence Act 1977, the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 and the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 for particular purposes The Parliament of Queensland enacts—

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Forensic Science Queensland Act 2023.

2 Commencement This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.

3 Main purpose of Act (1) The main purpose of this Act is to ensure high quality, reliable, independent and impartial forensic services for the administration of criminal justice in Queensland. (2) The purpose is primarily achieved by— (a) establishing the Director of Forensic Science Queensland to lead the provision of forensic services; and (b) establishing the Forensic Science Queensland Advisory Council to give advice and make recommendations about particular matters.

4 Act binds all persons This Act binds all persons, including the State.

5 Definitions The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.

6 References to administration of criminal justice A reference in this Act to the administration of criminal justice includes a reference to the investigation by a coroner, under the Coroners Act 2003, of the death of a person.

Part 2 Director of Forensic Science Queensland

Division 1 Appointment, functions and powers

7 Appointment (1) There must be a Director of Forensic Science Queensland. (2) The director is appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister. (3) The Minister may recommend a person for appointment only if satisfied the person has— (a) a tertiary qualification in a scientific discipline relevant to forensic services; and (b) at least 10 years practical experience in providing forensic services. (4) However, a person must not be appointed as the director if the person— (a) has a conviction, other than a spent conviction, for an indictable offence; or (b) is an insolvent under administration. (5) The director is appointed under this Act and not under the Public Sector Act 2022.