The NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) covered the cost for three nights of lodging to facilitate Arthurell’s removal from her residence.
According to a report by The Daily Telegraph, Arthurell stayed at the Rydges Hotel in Armidale, located in the northern tablelands of NSW, during this period.
Formerly known as the “cowboy killer,” Arthurell served nearly 24 years in prison for the brutal murder of her fiancée, Venet Mulhall, in Coonabarabran in 1995 while out on parole.
Previously, she had been convicted for the deaths of her stepfather in the 1970s and a sailor in the 1980s.
She was released on parole in 2020.
Speaking last week, NSW Communities and Families Minister Kate Washington described the situation exposed by the radio station as “shocking.”
“It is entirely unacceptable for a vulnerable child in the care of the state to be living with a triple murderer,” Washington said.
“It should’ve never happened and I’m deeply apologetic for what has happened.”
Washington faced questions over the situation in NSW Parliament yesterday.
She did not directly respond to questions about how much the NSW taxpayer paid for Arthurell’s accommodation but a NSW government spokesperson later confirmed the $700 figure.
Since the story aired on 2GB, Washington said she had personally apologised to the family.
“I have been clear that there have been multiple failures in this case,” she said.
“We want to be as open and transparent as possible to ensure it does not happen again.
“When I became aware of this incident last week, I immediately took action and the person was removed from the house.”
The department has launched a review into the incident.
“The secretary of DCJ has confirmed that two staff members have been suspended based on initial investigations underway as part of that review,” she said.
“Because of the significant sensitivities involved, there are young children in care in this case, we do not intend on conducting a review through the media, but we acknowledge that serious issues have been identified and we are acting to address them.”
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