History

The Australian Forensic Science Society was formed in 1971 with the aim of bringing together scientists, police, criminalists, pathologists, and members of the legal profession actively involved with the forensic sciences. The Society’s objectives are to enhance the quality of Forensic Science providing both formal and informal lectures, discussions and demonstrations encompassing the various disciplines within the science.

It was decided in 1988 that the Australian Forensic Society should recognise its New Zealand members and changed its name to the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS).

International Symposium

The society holds an international symposium every two years. The meeting and symposia cover the major areas of forensic science – toxicology, biology, odontology, pathology, crime scene, firearms, arson, explosions, fingerprints, homicide, disasters, documents and drug-associated crime – disciplines related to both medicine and the law.

Branches

Currently the Society boasts members from all States and Territories in Australia and New Zealand. There is a Branch of the Society in each state of Australia, in the Australian Capital Territory, and in New Zealand. Each of these appoints delegates to a National Committee.

The ANZFSS accepts membership from all persons with bona fide interests in forensic science and it has drawn up a Code of Ethics for its members. Individual branches have regular newsletters which promote meetings and lectures of interest. The Biennial Symposium is the major event for the ANZFSS and each Branch is responsible in turn for organising this. In order to encourage members to participate in the Symposium, the National Committee and the individual Branches of the ANZFSS award scholarships to attend this meeting. In addition, the National Committee awards scholarships to attend international forensic science conferences. Another role of the Society is to organise and fund visits by forensic specialists from interstate and overseas.

Local Branches hold regular meetings and visits to places of forensic interest. These meetings usually involve lectures by experts in their field and provide opportunities for members and guests to meet in an informal atmosphere. Most meetings are open to guests to attend.

Branch meetings are organised by a local committee. This committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting and the Committee comprises President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and other general members.