Forensic archaeology in Australia: Current situations, future possibilities

The aim of this paper is to examine the potential for forensic archaeology to develop in Australia. A brief history of the development of the discipline is provided highlighting the ways in which archaeological principles and techniques have been used in North America and Britain to enhance the investigation of crime and disaster scenes. While a number of practitioners with expertise in biological anthropology have assisted police in forensic-related work involving human remains in Australia or its near neighbours, little use has been made of the archaeologist in the investigation of domestic forensic cases. The frequency of homicides and minimal knowledge about what exactly forensic archaeology encompasses are considered as possible reasons for the limited use of forensic archaeology in Australia. International case studies clearly illustrate the benefits of including an archaeologist in the investigation of a crime and/or disaster scene. It is argued that Australia should learn from these case studies and look to develop a professional group of forensic archaeologists.