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.
Today, Mr Steve Kinmond has been removed from his position as Children's Guardian by the Lieutenant-Governor for misbehaviour, in accordance with section 122 of the Children's Guardian Act 2019.
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.
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.
