PASSAGE OF THE DAY: "Last week, independent forensic biologist Dr Kirsty Wright reviewed hundreds of forensic files from the murder investigation for The Australian newspaper's podcast series Shandee's Story. She said handling of the case by Queensland Health services was a "forensic train wreck" and joined Ms Blackburn's family in calling for forensic samples to be retested. Addressing the Queensland Parliament this morning, Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said she had written to the Attorney-General calling for the coronial inquiry to be reopened. "Based on the claims made regarding forensic evidence and whether such evidence could lead to new findings, I believe there is sufficient public interest and questions to be addressed to warrant me writing to the Attorney-General to consider requesting the coroner to reopen the matter," Ms D'Ath told the parliament."
The government had been questioned by the opposition about the need for an inquiry into the forensic services since the revelations were brought to light last week. In Parliament on Wednesday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was not in government at the time of the alleged issues with the service. "I am advised that at that time the LNP made cuts to Forensic and Scientific Services and made significant job cuts," the Premier said. "We were not in government at that stage, so perhaps those opposite would like to look at any cuts they made to the lab at the time." Dawson MP George Christensen told the Federal Parliament this week the Blackburn family deserved better. "I'm calling on the Queensland Government to investigate that forensics facility and see what can be done to have justice for Shandee," he said."
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STORY: "Health Minister calls for coronial inquiry into Shandee murder to reopen," by Reporter Tobi Loftus, published by ABC News, on December 2, 2021.
KEY POINTS: "Health Minister Yvette D'ath has called on the Shandee Blackburn coronial inquiry to be reopened It comes after concerns were raised in relation to forensic services. Ms Blackburn was killed while walking home from work in 2013."
The 23-year-old was walking home from work in the early hours of February 9, 2013, when she was brutally stabbed more than 20 times.
Ms Blackburn's former partner John Peros was found not guilty of her murder by a Supreme Court jury in a 12-day trial in 2017.
In August 2020, Coroner David O'Connell found there was ample evidence that showed Mr Peros killed Ms Blackburn and there was no other possible conclusion that could be drawn based on the evidence.
Mr Peros has maintained his innocence and no one has ever been found guilty of Ms Blackburn's murder.
She said handling of the case by Queensland Health services was a "forensic train wreck" and joined Ms Blackburn's family in calling for forensic samples to be retested.
Addressing the Queensland Parliament this morning, Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said she had written to the Attorney-General calling for the coronial inquiry to be reopened.
"Based on the claims made regarding forensic evidence and whether such evidence could lead to new findings, I believe there is sufficient public interest and questions to be addressed to warrant me writing to the Attorney-General to consider requesting the coroner to reopen the matter," Ms D'Ath told the parliament.
Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman did not comment on whether she would reopen the inquiry.
"The death of Shandee Blackburn was absolutely tragic and I understand this is an ongoing and personal issue for her family," she said.
Mum welcomes move:
Ms Blackburn's mother Vicki Blackburn said her family was "very excited and grateful" for the first step in the process of reopening the investigation.
"We understand there is a long way to go and many obstacles and roadblocks could be in our way.
l"It can't be left the way it is."
She said there was no reason she could think of why the Attorney-General wouldn't reopen the case.
"It just has to be done, the people of Queensland would expect nothing less," she said.
"We were quite disappointed early on [last week] that no action was seen to be taken immediately, as it's something we would have expected.
The government had been questioned by the opposition about the need for an inquiry into the forensic services since the revelations were brought to light last week.
In Parliament on Wednesday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was not in government at the time of the alleged issues with the service.
"We were not in government at that stage, so perhaps those opposite would like to look at any cuts they made to the lab at the time."
Dawson MP George Christensen told the Federal Parliament this week the Blackburn family deserved better.
"I'm calling on the Queensland Government to investigate that forensics facility and see what can be done to have justice for Shandee," he said.""
The entire post can be read at:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-02/health-minister-shandee-blackburn-coronial-inquiry/100669450
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments. The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at: http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith. Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at: http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com. Harold Levy: Publisher: The Charles Smith Blog;
