❓ Question on Notice regarding the timeframe for processing sexual assault forensic evidence kits, the number of expired kits, prioritisation procedures, and monitoring processes. The answer reveals challenges in providing specific timeframe data but assures that no kits expired and outlines existing procedures.

I refer to the Minister’s answer to my Question on Notice No. 290, and I ask:(a) as of 16 March 2025 what is the current average timeframe between the collection of a sexual assault forensic evidence kit and the completion of forensic testing;(b) between 16 March 2020 and 16 March 2025 how many sexual assault forensic evidence kits have expired or become unusable before testing occurred;(c) what procedures are in place to ensure sexual assault forensic evidence kits approaching expiry are prioritised for testing; and(d) what processes are in place to monitor the time taken to process sexual assault forensic evidence kits in Western Australia?

a) 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. b) Zero. c) Although Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) kits have an expiration date, once utilised, the resulting forensic exhibits are stored appropriately and in accordance with packaging and handling guidelines preserving evidence for longevity. d) SARC kits are managed by the WA Police Force when the offence is reported to police. The workflow processes involve triaging exhibits on a priority system, assessing the risk to community safety and the forensic value of the kit to progress the investigation.