Kathleen Folbigg's Compensation Offer Sparks Outrage Over Justice System Failures

Kathleen Folbigg, recently exonerated after two decades behind bars, has been offered A$2 million in compensation, a figure described as "wholly inadequate" by her legal representatives and supporters, raising concerns about the justice system's treatment of wrongful convictions.

Kathleen Folbigg, once infamously labeled "Australia's worst mother," has had her recent compensation offer of A$2 million (£975,580, $1.3m) after her wrongful imprisonment deemed "deeply insufficient" by her legal team. After spending 20 years imprisoned for the deaths of her four infants, Folbigg was released in 2023 following a judicial review revealing potential genetic causes for the children's deaths between 1989 and 1999.

Initially convicted in 2003, Folbigg faced accusations of murdering her children based on circumstantial evidence, including her diaries, which prosecutors used to depict her as emotionally unstable. Following her high-profile case, legal experts had anticipated a significantly higher compensation payout, potentially exceeding A$10 million.

However, attorney Rhanee Rego deemed the offered sum a "moral affront," citing the immense psychological and emotional toll Folbigg endured during her wrongful incarceration. New South Wales Attorney General Michael Daley indicated that a thorough review influenced the compensation decision, while maintaining confidentiality surrounding the specifics.

Rego drew comparisons to Lindy Chamberlain, who received A$1.7 million for her wrongful conviction, noting the disparity in the compensation given to Folbigg despite her extended time in prison. Advocates express worry that the amount does not adequately reflect her suffering. Experts in forensics envision payouts could reach A$20 million, underscoring the urgent need for a reassessment of compensatory measures in wrongful conviction cases within Australia.