Minister launches inquiry into ‘vulgar’ baby shower at Children’s Guardian office

An inquiry has been launched after staff complained about a baby shower at the NSW Children’s Guardian office that included a game of ‘pin the sperm on the uterus’.

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

An urgent inquiry has been launched and the NSW Children’s Guardian has stepped aside following complaints about an office baby shower involving a “vulgar” game of “pin the sperm on the uterus”.

While Children’s Guardian Steve Kinmond declared he was not present at the event, the senior public servant stood aside on Wednesday after a discussion with Families and Communities Services Minister Kate Washington.

The talks were held after the Public Service Association and the Minns government received a series of staff complaints about the Children’s Guardian office, including complaints about the baby shower.

The Saturday Telegraph can reveal Ms Washington told Mr Kinmond that she would be launching an independent inquiry into what she described as “serious” and “disturbing” allegations.

Ms Washington said staff at the office “have a right to feel safe in their own workplace. I will be establishing an urgent independent inquiry. The Children’s Guardian has agreed to step aside for the duration of the inquiry, which is appropriate.”

NSW Children’s Guardian Steve Kinmond did not attend the baby shower, but has stood aside.

It is understood the baby shower was held late last year in the Working With Children Check area, with staff alleging they turned up to the event to be given actual photographs of themselves as babies on pictures of “sperm”.

The staff were allegedly invited to pin the “sperm” onto a picture of a uterus featured on a large canvas in a game similar to “pin the tail on the donkey”.

Some of the complainants claim the game included a sign that declared “shut the f..k up kid”.

“The complaint claims some staff found the game offensive and unprofessional, and insensitive towards employees experiencing fertility issues or who have lost children,” a source said.

Mr Kinmond – who was appointed by former Families and Communities Minister Natasha Maclaren-Jones – took on the job in January 2023.

Before taking up the position, he was the CEO of the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) and before that was Deputy Ombudsman in NSW.

PSA assistant general secretary Troy Wright said complaints came amid a backdrop of broader concerns about “the culture of the organisation”.

“The association was made aware of complaints from members regarding a particular incident which we understand is under investigation,” Mr Wright said.

“It occurred in the backdrop of broader complaints.”

It is understood other issues raised relate to bullying and nepotism.

Mr Kinmond declined to comment, beyond telling The Saturday Telegraph he had not been present at the event.

“I welcome it to be examined,” he said.

The government has appointed Kate Eastman SC to investigate the complaints.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]