Latest news with #DCJ
The Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Death of baby in Corowa home is ‘tragic' but remains a mystery, says coroner
The circumstances of the death of an apparently 'thriving' three-month-old baby remain unknown, an inquest has concluded. 'It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP,' NSW deputy state coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Pearce said at the inquest in Sydney. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. 'It is implausible and inconsistent,' she said. 'Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP.' Pearce said the coroners court knew nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. 'Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving,' she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee local health district and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. 'On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP,' she said. ''It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care.' In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as 'safe with a plan', provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. 'Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting,' Pearce said. In her recommendations, Pearce said the NSW Health Safe Start program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Pearce said. 'It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive,' she said.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
Tragic death of baby remains a mystery after inquest
How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Tragic death of baby remains a mystery after inquest
How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
DV Helpline staff question end to WFH in NSW after Premier's message
The NSW Department of Criminal Justice will be brought before the Industrial Relations Commission after domestic violence and helpline staff pushed back against a return to work mandate. The Public Service Association (PSA) raised a dispute with the DCJ regarding the department's expectation that call-centre staff return to the office 'principally' or 50 per cent of the time. The mandate would mean staff, including those dealing with DV victims and child protection services, would need to attend the Liverpool or regional office for at least 50 per cent of their shifts. The PSA said the policy came in response to a circular from Premier Chris Minns last year that, while not specifically calling for an end to working from home, said it should not be 'taken for granted'. 'The circular does not strictly prescribe patterns of attendance and allows for ad hoc variations for the needs of employees and organisations,' the PSA said in a statement on Friday morning. 'As per the dispute resolution process, we met with DCJ and asked for feedback as to why they would not consider you for an ad hoc exemption. They have not provided any formal response yet.' Due to a lack of response, the service workers union is now seeking 'the assistance' of the state's Industrial Relations Commission, with the first conciliation meeting held on Wednesday. The PSA said it sought to understand the 'specific operation grounds' the DCJ was using to 'deny the ad hoc exemption', with a further hearing on June 17. 'Yet there have been no operational requirements provided, other than simply the Premier's circular,' the PSA said. 'Your delegates and the PSA do not believe there is any valid operational requirement for an increase in office attendance, as the work you perform has been structured around remote working for the past four years or longer. 'You work in the same manner in the office, as you do from home, with the same processes, practices, and structures.' A meeting between the union and helpline and DV line members is slated for June 2. An end to Covid-era work-from-home arrangements and mandated return to the office has been a significant sticking point in both the private and government sectors in recent years. In his circular, Mr Minns noted the usefulness of WFH arrangements in 'attracting and retaining talented people' since 2019 but said there were 'many ways' to achieve flexible work arrangements. Mr Minns said WFH arrangements were not available to all government employees, and the starting position is that those staff 'work principally in an approved workplace in NSW'. 'Arrangements to work from home on some occasions must take into consideration the wider needs of departments, agencies, the community and stakeholders,' the August circular stated. Mr Minns' opposition to WFH caused friction during the election. The state premier told reporters during the campaign that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was dealing with different circumstances in his opposition of the Liberals' plan to end WFH for public servants. A report earlier this month found staff at NSW Treasury were in the office only about half the time, or about 2.5 days per week, increasing from an average of 1.7 days per week in July 2024.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
New salvo in state's war on WFH
The NSW Department of Criminal Justice will be brought before the Industrial Relations Commission after domestic violence and helpline staff pushed back against a return to work mandate. The Public Service Association (PSA) raised a dispute with the DCJ regarding the department's expectation that call-centre staff return to the office 'principally' or 50 per cent of the time. The mandate would mean staff, including those dealing with DV victims and child protection services, would need to attend the Liverpool or regional office for at least 50 per cent of their shifts. The PSA said the policy came in response to a circular from Premier Chris Minns last year that, while not specifically calling for an end to working from home, said it should not be 'taken for granted'. 'The circular does not strictly prescribe patterns of attendance and allows for ad hoc variations for the needs of employees and organisations,' the PSA said in a statement on Friday morning. 'As per the dispute resolution process, we met with DCJ and asked for feedback as to why they would not consider you for an ad hoc exemption. They have not provided any formal response yet.' NSW Premier Chris Minns said working from home should not be 'taken for granted'. NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia Due to a lack of response, the service workers union is now seeking 'the assistance' of the state's Industrial Relations Commission, with the first conciliation meeting held on Wednesday. The PSA said it sought to understand the 'specific operation grounds' the DCJ was using to 'deny the ad hoc exemption', with a further hearing on June 17. 'Yet there have been no operational requirements provided, other than simply the Premier's circular,' the PSA said. 'Your delegates and the PSA do not believe there is any valid operational requirement for an increase in office attendance, as the work you perform has been structured around remote working for the past four years or longer. 'You work in the same manner in the office, as you do from home, with the same processes, practices, and structures.' A meeting between the union and helpline and DV line members is slated for June 2. An end to Covid-era work-from-home arrangements and mandated return to the office has been a significant sticking point in both the private and government sectors in recent years. Anthony Albanese and Mr Minns differ on their view of working from home. Jason Edwards / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia In his circular, Mr Minns noted the usefulness of WFH arrangements in 'attracting and retaining talented people' since 2019 but said there were 'many ways' to achieve flexible work arrangements. Mr Minns said WFH arrangements were not available to all government employees, and the starting position is that those staff 'work principally in an approved workplace in NSW'. 'Arrangements to work from home on some occasions must take into consideration the wider needs of departments, agencies, the community and stakeholders,' the August circular stated. Mr Minns' opposition to WFH caused friction during the election. The state premier told reporters during the campaign that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was dealing with different circumstances in his opposition of the Liberals' plan to end WFH for public servants. A report earlier this month found staff at NSW Treasury were in the office only about half the time, or about 2.5 days per week, increasing from an average of 1.7 days per week in July 2024.
