NSW Minister Faces Calls for Independent Inquiry After Convicted Killer's Foster Care Incident

A significant controversy has emerged in New South Wales (NSW) following the revelation that Regina Arthurell, a convicted triple killer, was allowed to live with two foster children aged 12 and 14. The situation came to light after a radio broadcast, prompting immediate action from the NSW Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, who confirmed Arthurell's removal from the home on March 8, 2026. Washington acknowledged that the department had received a report about the situation in December but failed to act on it, leading to calls for an independent review into the systemic failures that allowed this incident to occur.

The Guardian

Multiple agencies involved in the welfare of the children are now under scrutiny. Sue Higginson, the NSW Greens spokesperson for families and communities, emphasized the need for an independent review, stating, “Something has gone extremely wrong here.” She criticized the idea of the department investigating itself, asserting that accountability requires external oversight. The NSW police had previously responded to a domestic incident at the home on February 11, 2026, although Arthurell was not present at the time.

The Guardian

Regina Arthurell, who is transgender, has a long history of violent crime, including two counts of manslaughter and one count of murder. Her criminal record includes the stabbing of her stepfather in 1974 and the murder of a 19-year-old during a robbery in 1981. After serving time for these offenses, she was released on parole but later bludgeoned her former partner to death in 1995, resulting in a 24-year prison sentence. Concerns about her potential for violence were noted during a 2021 court hearing, where a justice remarked on her “proclivity to violently terminate the lives of fellow human beings.”

The Guardian

In response to the growing outrage, Washington stated, “I’m not going anywhere,” and confirmed that a departmental review is underway, led by Michael Tidball, the secretary of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. However, the Association of Community Welfare Associations (ACWA) and the Create Foundation have both called for an independent review, arguing that external scrutiny is essential for identifying failures and ensuring the safety of vulnerable children.

The Guardian

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley has also faced criticism for not renewing an extended supervision order for Arthurell, which expired in December 2024. He attributed the oversight to the high-risk offenders assessment committee, which did not refer Arthurell for further consideration.

The Guardian

While the NSW government has initiated a review, there is a clear divide in opinions regarding the adequacy of internal investigations. Critics, including ACWA and Higginson, argue that only an independent inquiry can ensure accountability and prevent future incidents. The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, has publicly supported Washington, stating he does not intend to ask for her resignation, highlighting the complexities of finding safe homes for vulnerable children.

The Guardian

• “ “This situation was entirely unacceptable, and it’s important that I front up and apologise for what has happened.” — Kate Washington, NSW Minister for Families and Communities

The Guardian

• “Independent scrutiny can play an important role in identifying what went wrong, ensuring lessons are learned and strengthening safeguards for children.” — Imogen Edeson, CEO of the Create Foundation

The Guardian

• “The department should not investigate themselves.” — Sue Higginson, NSW Greens spokesperson for families and communities

The Guardian

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about the need for comprehensive reforms in the child welfare system in NSW.

The Guardian