Children’s Guardian staff to be quizzed over ‘sperm’ game as govt appoints new boss

Staff at the Office of the Children’s Guardian will be quizzed about a “vulgar” game of “pin the sperm on the uterus” featuring staff baby photos on the “sperm”.

Children’s Guardian Steve Kinmond – who was not involved with the baby shower – agreed last week to step aside as the inquiry takes place.

Staff at the Office of the Children’s Guardian will be quizzed about a “vulgar” game of “pin the sperm on the uterus” featuring staff baby photos on the “sperm” as a new temporary boss takes over the department.

The baby shower — which occurred in the Working With Children Check section – is among a multiple workplace complaints lodged about conditions at the child protection office that are being investigated as part of a Special Ministerial Inquiry launched by the Minns government.

Children’s Guardian Steve Kinmond — who was not involved with the baby shower — agreed last week to step aside as the inquiry takes place to help the matter be resolved, with Families and Communities Minister Kate Washington on Wednesday announcing the appointment of child protection law specialist Rachael Ward as acting boss.

Ms Ward, who is a member of the Children’s Court Advisory Committee, has also worked for the Department of Communities and Justice as a child law director.

“I am confident Ms Ward’s knowledge and experience will be an asset to the Office of the Children’s Guardian during this time,” Ms Washington said.

Families and Communities Services Minister Kate Washington. Picture: Monique Harmer

Since The Sunday Telegraph revealed details of the baby shower last Sunday, staff from the Guardian’s have contacted the Telegraph to discuss their concerns with the workplace.

While Mr Kinmond was not at the baby shower, staff members from the Office claimed there were other senior employees who were present who they alleged allowed the game to continue.

One staff member claimed the baby photos of some of the employees were used without permission.

“It was just entirely inappropriate and nothing was done to shut it down,” a staff member said.

It is understood the game also included a sign that declared “shut the f**k up kid”.

The baby shower is among multiple complaints that have been made about the Office, with the Public Service Association also receiving unrelated complaints about the workplace culture.

The Daily Telegraph has been made aware of serious allegations of conflict of interest against one staff member, which has raised concerns among staff of it potentially jeopardising investigations.

The government has appointed Kate Eastman SC to conduct the investigation, with staff to be interviewed over the coming weeks.

Mr Kinmond – who took on the job in January 2023 after being appointed by former Families and Communities Minister Natasha Maclaren-Jones – said last week he welcomed the inquiry.

The Working With Children Check (WWCC) unit is one of the most important roles at the Office, with staff performing background checks of adults wanting to work or volunteer in a child-related job.

Originally published as Children’s Guardian staff to be quizzed over ‘sperm’ game as govt appoints new boss