Independent Inquiry into Paediatric Forensic Pathology Practices and Legal Frameworks.

We, the undersigned, call on the Parliament of Victoria to establish an independent inquiry into paediatric forensic pathology practices and the legal frameworks governing expert evidence, particularly in cases involving Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) and Abusive Head Trauma (AHT). This inquiry should ensure that evidence used in criminal and child protection proceedings is scientifically valid, legally robust, independently verified, and fully disclosed, preventing miscarriages of justice caused by incomplete investigation or reliance on unsupported methodologies (“junk science”). 

The inquiry should: 

1. Review a cluster of cases from 2014 to the present, with specific reference to four publicly known Victorian cases. Additional historical cases from 1994 have been documented and can be submitted to the inquiry for further analysis for historical context. Cases involving child removal are inclusive.
2. Implement mandatory peer review and independent multidisciplinary diagnostic panels, including neurologists, hematologists, geneticists, radiologists, and forensic pathologists.
3. Implement mandatory review of the child's electronic medical record inclusive of laboratory results.
4. Allow families to obtain second medical opinions and advanced testing, including blood, genetic, bone fragility, and tissue analysis (e.g., torn frenulum cases)  
5. Allow limited delays in law enforcement referrals. 
6. Ensure full disclosure of medical, hospital, pre-birth, and DFFH and Ambulance Victoria records.
7.  Provide funding for defense teams to access independent expertise. 
8. Apply legal safeguards, ensuring evidence meets Evidence Act 2008 (Vic) ss 55 & 79 and High Court standards (Pfennig v The Queen, HG v The Queen). 

This inquiry will protect children, families, and the integrity of Victoria’s justice system, ensuring that SBS/AHT cases are assessed using reliable, evidence-based science. We respectfully urge Parliament to act urgently.