'Reasonable Doubt' Exists in Kathleen Folbigg Case, Inquiry Told

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The inquiry into the convictions of Singleton mother Kathleen Folbigg has heard there is reasonable doubt of her guilt. 

The 55-year-old was gaoled in 2003 over the deaths of her four children.

However, the enquiry has heard today there is a strong plausible case for each child's death, including a rare genetic mutation found in two of Folbigg's daughters. 

It's also been submitted, her son Patrick may have died from an underlying neurogenetic disorder such as epilepsy. 

In addition, it's possible explanations for the deaths of those three children, could undermine the tendency reasoning used to convict Folbigg of her son Caleb's manslaughter.

The hearing has also heard evidence suggests it would be unreliable to interpret some of her diary entries as submissions of guilt. 

If reasonable doubt is found when closing submissions end, the case could be referred to the Court of Criminal Appeal, which may quash Folbigg's convictions.

A pardon could also be recommended, which would see Folbigg released from prison. 

Image: Canberra Times

Second inquiry into Kathleen Folbigg adjourned after two days

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The second inquiry into the murder and manslaughter convictions of Singleton killer Kathleen Folbigg over the deaths of her four children, has been adjourned for three months, so new scientific evidence can be reviewed. 

Two genetic experts from Denmark testified at the hearing in Sydney yesterday. 

They're the co-authors of a research paper published last year, discussing a rare genetic mutation which can cause sudden death in children. 

Ms Folbigg's two daughters did have the mutation. 

The inquiry will resume in February.

Lord Mayor Set to Speak at Inquiry on Newcastle Missing Out on State Grants

BY ISABEL EVERETT AND DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes will speak at a State Government inquiry on Friday, raising the issue of the city missing out on grant programs.

The inquiry into Integrity, efficacy and value for money of NSW Government grant programs was launched earlier this year to investigate the procedures and results of grant programs.

Mr Simon Massey, Economic Strategy and Government Relations Manager for the City of Newcastle, also speaking at the inquiry, says Newcastle has somehow been deemed not regional enough to receive regional grants, and not metropolitan enough to be eligible for programs aimed at Sydney.

"Potentially we've fallen through the cracks," Mr Massey said. "In a research report conducted by the University of Newcastle has identified over $175 million in missed NSW Government grant opportunities that the City of Newcastle has not been eligible to apply for, and therefore hasn't received."

"We'll be raising and tabling that report at this morning's inquiry."

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is also set to discuss the city's exclusion and inconsistencies in eligibility for funding programs. 

Mr Crakanthorp says Newcastle was excluded from all arts and infrastructure programs until new announcements made in last week's budget.

“It’s uncanny that these new funds were announced during the middle of an inquiry that has already revealed widespread pork-barrelling in Government grant programs,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“It’s quite clear that previous programs have been designed to deliberately exclude Newcastle, which also happens to be a safe Labor seat."

These concerns come regarding the distribution of the $250 million council grant scheme, amid claims 95 percent of it went to Coalition seats, with Newcastle missing out. 

Premier Gladys Berejiklian admitted on Thursday to Government pork-barreling, saying the practice was not illegal.

Ms Berejiklian said a majority of grants were handed out to Coalition-held seats as there were simply more of them.

"Guess what? There are more Coalition seats than any other," she said on Thursday. 

Hunter Sports Clubs Urged to Submit to Inquiry into Sports Rorts Scandal

BY GEMMA FERGUSON

Hunter sporting clubs and organisations are being encouraged to share their experience following the Sports Rorts scandal.

An independent review by the Auditor General, into the Community Sports Infrastructure Grant program, found the Morrison Government had used the exercise to pork-barrel funding with the aim of winning seats in marginal areas.

The Labor held Hunter electoratse of  Paterson received $167,000 and Shortland was granted $277,113.

Meanwhile the Coalition seats of Lyne and Robertson were awarded a total of over $2.1 million from the $100 million dollar fund.

A select committee to further investigate the issue has been launched, with Newcastle MP, Sharon Claydon saying now is the time for locals to have their say.

Ms Claydon believes there were a lot of local organisations that were overlooked in their applications, and now is their chance to contribute to the discussion.

"These organisations have an increasing demand on their field and ovals, change-rooms, canteens and more," she said.

"They applied on what should've been a competitive, merit-based grants program, but they got completely by-passed by a very cruel and selfish focus from a Government just trying to win marginal seats. That is not okay, by anyone's measure."

Ms Claydon says the committee will look into the delivery and decision-making processes involved throughout the grants program.

She explains that the inquiry will put the program guidelines, the assessment process, and the requirements places on applicants under the microscope.

"It will also look at the role of senior Government offices, including that of the Prime Minister's own office, in hand picking winners in marginal seats," she said.

Ms Claydon is encouraging locals who applied for the funding to contribute to the committee.

She's hoping to get a lot of feedback from Hunter Valley sporting bodies and organisations before submissions close on 21 February.

The committee is scheduled to report in late March.

Ms Claydon urges anyone with further information about the program to get in touch with her office before then.