❓ Question on Notice regarding the processing times of sexual assault forensic evidence kits, particularly those originating from regional WA. The response indicates kits are prioritised based on risk and that the WA Police Force is responsible for processing and oversight.

I refer to the Minister’s answer to my Question on Notice No. 290 which stated that 77 sexual assault forensic evidence kits were awaiting processing, including 21 that had remained unprocessed for more than 90 days and that 12 of those kits originated in regional areas, and I ask:(a) in relation to the 12 kits identified as originating from regional areas, what were the reasons those kits had not been processed;(b) what is the average timeframe between evidence collection and forensic testing for sexual assault forensic evidence kits originating from regional Western Australia;(c) which agency or unit within the Western Australian Government holds responsibility for monitoring the processing of sexual assault forensic evidence kits; and(d) has the Government conducted any audit or review of the processing of sexual assault forensic evidence kits in Western Australia in the past five years?

a) The kits are forensically tested according to the level of priority, which is determined based upon risk factors, community safety and the potential value of the forensic evidence to progress the investigation. The 12 kits referred to in the previous Parliamentary Question have now been tested. b) Providing a timeframe from collection to finalisation would require manual interrogation for each investigation, requiring an amount of time and resources that would detract from other operational priorities. Hence, The Western Australia Police Force cannot provide a response. c) The WA Police Force are responsible for progressing the testing of the kits for matters reported to the WA Police Force for investigation. d) The WA Police Force remains committed to making any improvements that enhance visibility and provide greater oversight of forensic processes.