Forensic scientist Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde has been appointed as the permanent Director of Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ), after acting as its CEO for more than 18 months.
Dr Wilson-Wilde’s appointment follows the establishment of an 11-member advisory council last month, chaired by Julie Dick.
Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said Dr Wilson-Wilde had acted as interim CEO of Forensic Science Queensland since January, 2023 and was widely regarded as one of the leading forensic scientists in Australia and New Zealand.
Minister D’Ath said she was a former director of both Forensic Science South Australia and the National Institute of Forensic Science and had previously worked for Victoria Police, New South Wales Police and the Australian Federal Police.
“Dr Wilson-Wilde has extensive experience in legislative reform, national policy development and involvement in high-profile cases, including managing the DNA analysis in the disaster victim identification and criminal investigation of the 2002 Bali bombings.
“She has received a Medal in the Order of Australia for her work and was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2014.”
Minister D’Ath said Dr Wilson-Wilde brought a wealth of knowledge and experience “to what will undoubtedly be a very challenging role”.
“Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an ability to ‘step up’ in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Dr Wilson-Wilde OAM said FSQ was making progress toward the vision of being a world-leading laboratory.
“Our journey will take a number of years yet, but I am confident we have the right roadmap in place and the team at FSQ is as committed as I am to restore confidence in our services.”
