Ministerial Statement

Pearman, Prof. C.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Planning and Local Government) (14:10): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: Forensic Science SA plays a key role supporting the justice system in South Australia, and it is renowned for its outstanding scientific and pathology services, research and innovation. This traditional excellence is fostered through the leadership team and a workforce that is supported and encouraged.

Today, I would like to acknowledge the achievements and leadership of the current Director of Forensic Science SA, Professor Chris Pearman, who will be retiring in November. Professor Pearman has led Forensic Science SA for the past seven years, during which there have been significant advancements in forensic science, some pioneered here in South Australia.

Over the past few years, Forensic Science SA has been a leader in familial searching, a process that involves identifying potential offenders through the DNA profiles of family members. It is through familial searching that the agency was able to help identify a suspect in a cold case of over two decades ago. In 2015, it was a familial search undertaken by Forensic Science SA that led to the arrest of the rapist terrorising North Adelaide.

Professor Pearman has been a strong advocate for harnessing the latest technology and techniques available in forensic science and applying them to the work undertaken in SA. Following his advice and advocacy, the Marshall Liberal government funded a new dedicated CT scanner for Forensic Science SA, which was installed this year. CT scanning is an increasingly useful tool in forensic medicine, streamlining the process of post-mortem examinations, reducing the number of full post-mortem examinations required and thereby reducing waiting times for grieving families.

Under the leadership of Professor Chris Pearman, Forensic Science SA has led the nation in cutting-edge research. An important study published earlier this year examined the post-mortem examinations of children and found concerning levels of methamphetamine. Led by Professor Roger Byard, the research showed the effects methamphetamine can have on families and why more needs to be done to curb its use.

In this year's Ross Vining Memorial Forensic Science SA Awards, there was recognition of a recent trial study that provided important information on drugs concerning harm and an unexpectedly high use of the drug ‘fantasy’ in the community. Also among those recognised were staff who supported Forensic Science SA becoming the first laboratory in Australia to gain national accreditation for activity-level reporting and its use in case work. Activity-level reporting allows better interpretation of the likelihood of transfer of DNA, improving the reliability of evidence presented in the justice system.

Forensic Science SA also continues to be well represented in the National Institute of Forensic Science’s annual Best Paper Awards. Out of the 23 awards issued over the past five years, 18 have been to Forensic Science SA staff, and 12 out of 18 papers highly commended over this period have also been from Forensic Science SA staff.

Another stand-out achievement in recent years has been Forensic Science SA partnering in the international commercialisation of world-leading DNA interpretation software and contributing to a national project on the transformation of forensic gunshot residue evidence. It is these achievements that placed South Australia at the forefront of this highly specialised field.

Professor Pearman has made an outstanding contribution to the field of forensic science. He joined the Forensic Science Centre when it was established in 1985, initially working as a forensic scientist within its biology section and then undertaking cases of alleged sexual assault and homicide. Professor Pearman developed considerable expertise in DNA analysis, undergoing extensive training and experience, reporting on DNA analysis in criminal cases.

He was appointed as the manager of the biology section in 1998 and had responsibility for quality control, accreditation standards, overseeing training of new staff, and research and development. Professor Pearman provided evidence in a landmark trial in which the use of DNA profiling systems for DNA analysis was accepted by the courts. He has reported on DNA analysis for hundreds of cases in courts, providing evidence that has supported our justice system immeasurably. He is currently chair of the National Association of Testing Authorities' Forensic Science Accreditation Advisory Committee, representing Forensic Science SA.

I want to sincerely thank Professor Chris Pearman for his leadership of Forensic Science SA and for his contribution to public service and justice in our state. On behalf of the government and all his colleagues, I wish him all the best in his retirement.