NSW Children’s Guardian, Steve Kinmond, has today been removed from his position, Minister for Disability Inclusion, Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, has confirmed.
Mr Kinmond (pictured) stepped aside in March, following the launch of the investigation into “concerning allegations” against him.
The inquiry subsequently found that Mr Kinmond had intervened to overturn a working with children’s check decision for a person he had exchanged 357 text messages with.
“On Tuesday, 5 August, Ms Kate Eastman AM SC provided to me the Final Report of the Special Ministerial Inquiry into the Office of the Children’s Guardian,” said Minister Washington.
Mr Kinmond was removed from office by the Lieutenant-Governor for misbehaviour, in accordance with section 122 of the Children’s Guardian Act 2019, the Minister said.
“I acknowledge that this has been a difficult time for many staff at the Office of the Children’s Guardian, including the 70 current and former employees who engaged with the Inquiry. They perform critically important work to protect children and young people, and I thank them for their commitment and their service.”
“To ensure full transparency and accountability, I intend to table the Open Report in both Houses of Parliament imminently.”
Ms Washington said Acting Children’s Guardian, Rachael Ward, will continue to provide strong and stable leadership at the Office of the Children’s Guardian until a new Children’s Guardian is appointed.
Mr Kinmond began his five-year term as NSW Children’s Guardian on 16 January 2023.
