NSW Attorney-General Approves Compensation
New South Wales Attorney-General Michael Daley has approved a $2million compensation payment for Kathleen Folbigg. Folbigg spent two decades in prison after being wrongly convicted for the deaths of her four children between 1989 and 1999. Today, her lawyer described the sum as “profoundly unfair and unjust.”
Twenty Years Behind Bars
A jury convicted Folbigg in 2003 for the deaths of her children, Caleb, Patrick, Sarah, and Laura. The court sentenced her to 40years, later reduced to 30years after appeal. Folbigg maintained her innocence throughout, explaining her children died from natural causes. In 2023, new scientific evidence brought doubts about her culpability and led to her release. Authorities overturned the convictions after scientific reviews and an inquiry found reasonable doubt over her involvement.
Kathleen Folbigg and her daughter, Laura, who died at 19 months
The Compensation Announcement
Attorney-General Daley said, “The decision follows thorough and extensive consideration of the materials and issues raised in Ms Folbigg’s application and provided by her legal representatives.”
The government agreed, at Folbigg’s request, not to publicly discuss details surrounding the decision. Daley’s announcement concluded nearly two years after Folbigg’s release from prison.
Strong Criticism of the Figure
Rhanee Rego, Folbigg’s lawyer, criticised the compensation package. “The amount proposed is a moral insult – grossly insufficient and ethically indefensible.” She added, “The system has again failed Kathleen Folbigg.”
Rego cited that Lindy Chamberlain, acquitted in 1994, received $1.7million after three years in jail. In comparison, Folbigg served 20 years and received $2million. Rego called for an inquiry into how the government determined the figure and said, “This should be about the system recognising the significance of what it did to her.”
Sue Higginson, NSW Greens MLC, described the sum as “go away” money. She argued that “Two million dollars barely covers what Kathleen could have earned on a full-time salary over 20 years.” Higginson detailed Folbigg’s losses, including 20years of wages, four children, her home, her employability, superannuation, and incurred legal costs.
Greens MLC Sue Higginson describes Ms Folbigg’s payment as “go away” money
Scientific Evidence and Exoneration
Scientific research played a central role in her exoneration. Medical experts and researchers submitted evidence indicating a rare genetic mutation likely caused her children’s deaths. In March 2021, a petition by 90 scientists and medical professionals called for Folbigg’s pardon. The inquiry into this new evidence ultimately led to a court overturning her convictions in June 2023.
Previous Compensation Comparisons
Legal professionals expected Folbigg could receive one of the country’s largest compensation packages. Some predicted compensation could eclipse $10million, with other local news reporting potential damages up to $20million in similar cases. However, the state government granted only $2million, which falls short of other cases and expectations.
Kathleen Folbigg’s case has been called one of Australia greatest miscarriages of justice
Community, Legal, and Political Reactions
Community and political figures reacted strongly to the announcement. Supporters expressed disappointment, highlighting Folbigg’s lasting trauma. Many compared her case to Lindy Chamberlain’s, arguing similar or greater compensation should apply due to the scale and impact of the miscarriage of justice.
Tracy Chapman, Folbigg’s long-time friend, highlighted the ongoing mental health support Folbigg requires. Chapman recounted Folbigg’s sadness and disbelief at the figure offered, explaining that Folbigg remains unemployed and continues to live alone while managing lasting trauma.
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The Path Forward
Rhanee Rego, Folbigg’s lawyer, said an inquiry remains necessary to understand the calculation kathleen behind the compensation figure. Rego kathleen explained that the system had failed her client repeatedly, from conviction to the current settlement offer.
The Folbigg case stands as an example of a wrongful conviction with major personal and judicial consequences. The approved compensation highlights ongoing debates about justice, government accountability, and recognition of long-term impacts on wrongly imprisoned individuals.
