Kathleen Folbigg Condemns 'Lowball' Compensation Offer for Wrongful Imprisonment

Kathleen Folbigg, the Australian woman who spent 20 years in prison for the deaths of her four children, has publicly criticized the New South Wales (NSW) government's $2 million compensation offer, calling it 'lowball' and 'insulting.' The payment, which was granted by the NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley, has been met with widespread condemnation for failing to reflect the gravity of her wrongful conviction and the profound impact it has had on her life.

Folbigg was initially convicted in 2003 of murdering her four children, but in 2023, her convictions were overturned after new medical evidence revealed that her children had likely died of natural causes. Despite this, the government's ex gratia offer of $2 million has been described by many as 'totally inadequate' and lacking in empathy.

Folbigg expressed deep confusion and frustration over the lack of transparency in the decision-making process. She described the compensation as a 'tick the box' gesture, emphasizing that the government has not provided the apology or meaningful engagement she and her legal team had hoped for. 'I had hoped this payment would provide me with the financial security and mental health support I need for the rest of my life,' she said. 'But instead, I feel the government has failed to acknowledge the injustice I've endured.'

The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, defended the compensation amount, stating that the government could not afford to pay more than $2 million and that the offer was not a settlement but an ex gratia payment. However, this explanation has not satisfied Folbigg or many advocates who believe the compensation should reflect the severity of the situation.

Folbigg has also expressed a desire to use her experience to help others who have been wrongfully convicted. She is advocating for the increased use of genetic testing in criminal investigations, believing it could prevent similar miscarriages of justice in the future. 'I want to ensure that no other family has to go through what mine did,' she said.

As the debate over justice and compensation continues, Folbigg's case has sparked a broader conversation about the need for systemic reform in the legal system and the importance of ensuring that scientific evidence is properly considered in criminal trials.