A Fresh Start For Queensland: Renewed transparency on availability of forensic medical examination kits
- Crisafulli Government delivers on 100 Day Plan commitment to release information about current capacity levels for forensic medical examination kits.
- Queensland Health now has more than six months' supply of examination kits, and dedicated training provided to 555 clinicians.
- Crisafulli Government is working to address the gaps left by Labor's failure of victims.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring victim-survivors of sexual assault have access to timely and high-quality health care and has today released information about the capacity of forensic medical examination kits across Queensland.
Queensland Health now has more than six months' supply of forensic medical examination kits across the state's hospitals - and as at 31 December 2024 - 555 clinicians had completed the Forensic Examiner Training Program.
The Auditor-General's Report released in September 2024, identified that the former Labor Government failed victims by refusing to address demand for forensic medical examinations across Queensland, and implement strategies to address existing gaps.
The report also identified that under Labor, staffing shortages were a key reason sexual assault victims were waiting up to three hours on average before being able to access a medical examination.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said, in addition to the availability of physical kits, it was crucial frontline clinicians were trained to provide forensic medical examinations.
"I am advised there are now a sufficient number of kits in Queensland, and each month more clinicians are completing the Forensic Examiner Training Program," Minister Nicholls said.
"However, more work needs to be done to ensure clinicians are appropriately trained and support is available for victims of sexual assault.
"This data will allow us to better identify gaps, improve service delivery and work with frontline health workers to ensure victims receive the timely and appropriate care they deserve."
