The Queensland government has announced a $56 million investment over the next four years to establish a dedicated forensic examination service for victims of sexual violence in public hospitals. This significant initiative is designed to improve care for victims and tackle critical issues such as treatment delays, staff shortages, mismanagement of evidence, and the lack of rape kits.
This investment fulfills a key recommendation from the women’s safety and justice taskforce. The new forensic examination service aims to provide trauma-informed care and support for victim-survivors, ensuring that they receive timely and appropriate medical and forensic assistance. The initiative also seeks to address the chronic shortages of rape kits and the delays that victims often face in receiving necessary treatment.
A new forensic medicine body will be created to offer leadership and clinical training, as well as a 24/7 support system for frontline clinicians. The plan includes establishing permanent forensic positions in hospitals and ensuring that forensic services are accessible around the clock through emergency departments. Additionally, forensic nurse examiner positions will be created within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services to ensure culturally appropriate care.
The Queensland government’s commitment to improving forensic services for sexual violence victims marks a significant step toward better supporting victim-survivors and enhancing the overall response to sexual violence in the state.