Australian Mother Charged After Poisoning Baby for Donations

AUAustralia|

An Australian woman from Brisbane has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly poisoning her one-year-old daughter to raise funds online. The 34-year-old reportedly filmed her child's distress and shared videos on GoFundMe, claiming that the funds were needed for the infant's health issues.

The investigation began when hospital staff in Brisbane expressed concerns about the baby’s condition during an October visit for treatment of a severe mental issue. Police responded quickly to ensure the child's safety.

Authorities claim the mother administered prescription and pharmacy drugs without medical authorization, leading to troubling test results for unauthorized substances. In total, the woman is accused of raising over AUD 60,000 from online donations, which is currently being returned to donors.

On Thursday, she was charged with 11 offenses, with Queensland detective inspector Paul Dalton emphasizing the gravity of her actions, stating there is "no excuse for hurting a child." The mother is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Australia

Australia Imposes Minimum One-Year Jail Sentence for Hitler Salute Amid Rising Antisemitism

The Australian Parliament has passed a bill establishing minimum penalties for various offenses, including a one-year prison sentence for displaying the Hitler salute. This legislative response comes as the country faces a surge in antisemitic incidents, including the discovery of explosives and threatening letters targeting Jewish institutions in a caravan on the outskirts of Sydney. The new law, supported by both the center-left government and the conservative opposition, also includes tougher penalties for terrorism-related offenses, such as a three-year sentence for financing terrorism and a six-year sentence for involvement in a terrorist act. According to officials, these measures aim to combat the rising tide of antisemitism in Australia and enhance community safety. Recent reports have highlighted a worrying increase in antisemitic actions across the nation, prompting calls for stronger legal frameworks to address hate crimes. The new legislation is seen as a critical step in denouncing and curbing such acts of hate within Australian society.
AUAustralia

Australia Enacts Tough Anti-Hate Crime Laws Amid Rising Antisemitism

Australia has enacted stringent anti-hate crime legislation, including mandatory jail time for acts such as displaying hate symbols and committing terror offenses, in response to a surge in antisemitic incidents. The laws, passed on February 6, 2025, will enforce minimum sentences of 12 months for lesser hate crimes and up to six years for terrorism-related offenses. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who initially opposed mandatory sentencing, stated his goal is to hold individuals accountable for antisemitism, emphasizing the need for incarceration for offenders. This legislative move comes after numerous attacks on synagogues and Jewish community properties in Australia, including a recent incident involving explosives aimed at Jewish targets in Sydney. The hate crimes bill, introduced last year, aims to create new offenses for violence against individuals based on various identities, including race, religion, and nationality. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke described these new laws as the toughest Australia has imposed on hate crimes, aligning with similar measures in New South Wales, Western Australia, and Victoria following the increase in antisemitic activity.
AUAustralia

Australia Supports Two-State Solution Amidst Regional Tensions

Australia has reiterated its support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, amid rising tensions in the region. According to Australian officials, this approach is crucial for achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. The statement comes in the wake of renewed clashes following an incident in the West Bank where a gunman killed two Israeli soldiers before being shot dead by security forces. These developments have raised concerns about escalating violence, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic solutions. During a press briefing, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that a negotiated settlement is the only way to secure a viable future for both peoples. Wong noted that efforts should focus on dialogue rather than unilateral actions that could exacerbate conflicts. Australia’s stance aligns with the broader international call for a peaceful resolution, reflecting a desire for stability in a region historically fraught with conflict. The country’s commitment to the two-state solution reaffirms its position in supporting ongoing negotiations and peace-building efforts.
AUAustralia