❓ Hon Michelle Boylan asks about the testing of unprocessed sexual assault forensic evidence kits, specifically those related to withdrawn cases. The Minister responds that all kits have been processed and outlines the relevant policy.

I refer to the Minister’s answer to my Question on Notice No. 290 which stated that 21 sexual assault forensic evidence kits that had remained unprocessed for more than 90 days related to cases that had been withdrawn or would not proceed further and I ask:(a) how many of those kits were nevertheless tested for evidentiary or intelligence purpose;(b) what policy determines whether a sexual assault forensic evidence kit is tested when a case does not proceed; and(c) does the Western Australia Police Force have a policy requiring sexual assault forensic evidence kits to be tested regardless of whether a complaint proceeds to prosecution?

(a-c) All outstanding kits have been processed. The Serious Crime Exhibit Retention Management Policy (SCERM) provides the agency framework for the retention and disposal of exhibits for Serious Crime. The SCERM policy articulates that all exhibits relating to a sexual offence under the Criminal Code Chapter XXXI will be sent for testing.