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Abstract: DNA profiling evidence presented in court should be accompanied by a reliable estimate of its evidential weight. In calculating such statistics, allele frequencies from commonly employed autosomal microsatellite loci are required. These allele frequencies should be collected at a level that appropriately represents the genetic diversity that exists in the population. Typically this occurs at broadly defined bio-geographic categories, such as Caucasian or Asian. Datasets are commonly administered at the jurisdictional level. This paper focuses on Australian jurisdictions and assesses whether this current practice is appropriate for Aboriginal Australian and Caucasian populations alike. In keeping with other studies we observe negligible differences between Caucasian populations within Australia when segregated geographically. However segregation of Aboriginal Australian population data along contemporary State and Territory lines appears to mask the diversity that exists within this subpopulation. For this reason datasets collated along more traditional lines may be more appropriate, particularly to distinguish the most genetically differentiated populations residing in the north of the continent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Aboriginal Australian population have continuously inhabited the vast Australian continent for in excess of 50 000 years, making them one of the most distinctive modern human population groups. At the time of European colonisation, it was estimated there were as many as 500 tribes with defined territorial lands and distinct linguistic and cultural traits. Unfortunately, the contribution of genetic data from Aboriginal Australia to studies of modern human global migration has been limited. Likewise, there are limited data from tribal populations from across Australia, and therefore a limited understanding of the genetic differentiation among tribal groups. This research is the first to analyse population data from Aboriginal Australians using the polymorphic minisatellite locus D1S80. Considerable differentiation was observed among the tribal groups that are represented in this Northern Australian dataset. The most genetically distinct tribal groups identified in this study (East Arnhem Land and Tiwi Island) are groups which have been previously noted in anthropological studies as having distinct cultural and/or linguistic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several variant alleles of the HumD21S11 locus have only been reported in Australasian population samples. Fifteen such alleles were observed in Caucasian and Australian Aborigine sub-population databases compiled from residents of the state of Western Australia. Each variant was sequenced to authenticate the allelic designation and determine the structural conformation. Nine novel structural variants are described. The structure of the repeat region of these rare alleles combined with the STR designation brings aspects of the HumD21S11 nomenclature guidelines into question, in particular the designation of common incomplete repeats (or “0.2’s”). The conformation of the sequences provides evidence in support of a genetic relationship between the Australian Aborigine and the Papuan people. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sixteen autosomal SNPs were selected to differentiate major populations in Australia. A SNP multiplex assay was developed for the inference of biogeographical ancestry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to estimate DNA match statistics it is necessary to understand population genetic features of the major populations of the jurisdiction. Here we summarise some findings of a large-scale research project recently undertaken on autosomal microsatellite data from indigenous Australian donors. This research follows from court decisions that scrutinised the level of understanding in this area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Describes the sub-population DNA databases in New Zealand. Construction of sub-population databases; Integrity of the data; Analysis of ethnicity data; Genetic distance within and between sub-populations.

Investigates allele frequencies for each of the AMPFℓ Profiler Plus short tandem repeat loci from individuals representing the general population of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Analysis of blood samples collected from unrelated healthy volunteers or individuals randomly selected from the ACT Red Cross Blood Bank; Extraction of DNA using Chelex method; Implications for forensic science.

Abstract: The weighting of DNA evidence can be estimated using various models. Each model relies on allele frequencies, which are obtained from data accumulated in a population database. This report analyses sub-population data for 325 Aboriginal Australian residents of South Australia at nine autosomal Profiler Plus™ short tandem repeat (STR) loci. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: DNA profiling results presented in court must be accompanied by a statistical estimate of its evidential weight. In calculating such statistics, allele frequencies from the tested loci are required. These allele frequencies should be collected at a level that appropriately represents the genetic diversity that exists in the population. This paper reports allele frequencies and the results of population genetic testing of autosomal microsatellite profiles from indigenous Australian donors. In contrast to previous practice these data have been collated according to traditional regional boundaries rather than recently imposed State and Territory borders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]