Unjust Compensation: The Kathleen Folbigg Case

New South Wales offered A$2 million compensation to Kathleen Folbigg, wrongfully jailed for two decades for her children's deaths. Her lawyer deemed the amount unfair, highlighting the pain and suffering experienced. Scientific evidence later suggested her children died from natural causes, leading to her exoneration.

In a controversial move, New South Wales has offered a compensation of A$2 million to Kathleen Folbigg, who was wrongfully imprisoned for two decades for the deaths of her four children. Folbigg's lawyer criticized the sum as "profoundly unfair," stating it inadequately reflected the immense emotional and personal suffering endured.

Kathleen Folbigg, 58, was initially convicted in 2003 for allegedly murdering three of her children and the manslaughter of a fourth. However, new scientific findings in 2023 indicated the possibility of natural or genetic causes behind the children's deaths, prompting her subsequent pardon, release, and the overturning of her convictions.

Attorney General Michael Daley mentioned the government's "extensive consideration" in making the ex-gratia payment. Folbigg's legal representative, Rhanee Rego, however, criticized the offer, demanding a review of how the compensation was determined, emphasizing the failure of the system to adequately address Folbigg's lost years and trauma.

(With inputs from agencies.)