14-07-2025
Kathleen Folbigg still fighting for compensation after being exonerated of killing her children
A woman exonerated of killing her four children after spending two decades in jail for their deaths says her "life is still on hold" as she seeks compensation from the New South Wales government.
Once labelled Australia's worst serial killer, Kathleen Folbigg had her convictions quashed in 2023 and was released from prison.
In 2003 she was convicted over the deaths of her children, Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura, who were toddlers or babies when they died between 1989 and 1999 in the Hunter region.
Ms Folbigg said she wanted the compensation matter resolved as soon as possible.
"I'm not asking to be treated any differently than anyone else who's been put through what I have," she said in statement.
"I just need this to be resolved so I can begin to rebuild and move forward.
"Adjusting to 2025 prices has been confronting.
"Even basics like groceries, bills and public transport are so much higher than they were in 2003.
Ms Folbigg's lawyer Rhanee Rego told ABC Radio Newcastle an application for an ex gratia payment was made in July last year but there had not been any progress.
"During that whole time I've been asking them, 'What are you doing?' When can we expect an answer?' And all they tell me is that it's 'under active consideration'," Ms Rego said.
Ms Rego said Ms Folbigg had recently secured a rental home after two years.
"She was struggling a bit there, and every time she feels hopeful that something will be done she's shut down," Ms Rego said.
"It's just really, really disheartening."
Ms Rego said she and Ms Folbigg had asked to meet with Premier Chris Minns, but on Monday morning he publicly denied that request and said the matter was before Attorney-General Michael Daley.
"They're in the process of demanding money from the NSW government," Mr Minns said.
"That's being independently assessed by the attorney-general and I don't think it's appropriate that I have meetings before he makes a decision.
"I respect his call in relation to her commutation … but he's got another decision to make.
A spokesperson for Mr Daley said the application for the ex gratia payment was being considered.
"The NSW government acknowledges concerns about the time taken to consider Ms Folbigg's application, which contains complex material," they said in a statement.
"It is important this material is thoroughly considered before a decision is made."
The spokesperson said there had been extensive communication between the Department of Communities and Justice and Ms Folbigg's team.
"Ms Folbigg's legal representation has been advised it would not be appropriate for the attorney-general to meet her while the ex gratia payment remains under consideration," they said.
