Currently, no two states in Australia have an identical organizational structure for the forensic sciences, and it is unlikely that a unified approach, similar to the Home Office system in Great Britain, will emerge. This author suggests that forensic laboratories should seek to become affiliated with a local university in a symbiotic relationship where the university would receive rent and have access to scientific research while the laboratory would benefit from greater access to libraries, facilities, and equipment. The independence of forensic scientists from prosecutors' offices has been widely questioned in Australia; association with a university would provide a laboratory with independence and credibility to both sides of a case. While forensic scientists are often accused of making mistakes and submitting invalid evidence, other factors which contribute to court mistakes include complex and confusing laws, outmoded procedures, inadequate professional legal training, and an underfunded legal aid system. It seems that the Australian forensic field is moving toward accreditation, which will test each organization and its commitment to staff and standards.