The mother of the two young boys found dead in the Blue Mountains has been sacked from a government department for mental health-related reasons.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed the news on Friday, saying the information he’d “been given so far is… the employee was let go”.
“It was challenged in the Industrial Relations Commission, the original decision of the government department was upheld, and I believe it was handled appropriately,” Mr Minns said.
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The bodies of the two boys, 11-year-old Russell and nine-year-old Ben Smith, were discovered on Tuesday at their Faulconbridge home.
New South Wales Police found the bodies around 12.40pm after their father contacted emergency services to conduct a welfare check.
Their mother, 42, was taken from the scene to hospital with minor injuries and will soon face questioning from police.
No charges in relation to the deaths have been laid.
Mr Minns said government departments would cooperate with any inquiries into the deaths.
“If new information comes to light, of course government agencies and the NSW government will supply that to any independent investigation that takes place, this is a very serious alleged crime,” he said.
The father of the boys has requested privacy during this time.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help, there are many resources available:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800