NSW Government Spends $700 to Relocate Serial Killer from Foster Home

The New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) funded a three-night stay at a hotel to facilitate the removal of Arthurell from her residence.

According to a report by The Daily Telegraph, Arthurell spent those nights at the Rydges Hotel located in Armidale, in the northern tablelands of New South Wales.

Once known as the “cowboy killer,” Arthurell served nearly 24 years in prison for the 1995 murder of her fiancée, Venet Mulhall, whom she bludgeoned to death in Coonabarabran while on parole.

Prior to this, Arthurell had been convicted of killing her stepfather in the 1970s and a sailor in the 1980s.

She was released on parole in 2020.

Last week, NSW Communities and Families Minister Kate Washington said the situation uncovered by the radio station was “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.”

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.