Faulconbridge deaths: Premier Minns says mother Trish Smith was fired from government job over mental health

Max Corstorphan

The Nightly

3 Min Read

13 Sep 2024

Brothers Russell and Ben Smith have been found dead at their mother Trish Smith’s home. Credit: Supplied

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT

The NSW Premier has revealed that the mother of two boys who were found dead in a Blue Mountains home was fired from a government department due to mental health issues.

On Tuesday, father Nick Smith discovered his two boys Russell, 11 and Ben, nine, dead in their beds with multiple stab wounds.

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Police also found the mother Trish Smith at the Faulconbridge property, with self-inflicted injuries and rushed her to hospital under police guard.

Police are investigating if the two children may have been drugged before the fatal incident.

It is understood that investigators are still waiting to interview Ms Smith.

NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed reports the mother had previously been sacked from a government department job due to mental health issues.

“The information I’ve been given so far is ...the employee was let go from a NSW government agency,” Mr Minns said on Friday.

“It was challenged in the Industrial Relations Commission, the original decision of the government department was upheld, and I believe it was handled appropriately.”

The premier said government departments would cooperate with any of the “major inquiries” he forecast into the tragedy.

“Both from the homicide squad and the NSW Police as well as potentially the Coroner’s Court as well,” Mr Minns said.

“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.”

Tributes can be seen as as police forensic officers continue to work the scene where two young boys were found stabbed in the Blue Mountains. Credit: DEAN LEWINS/AAPIMAGE

The mother’s personal Facebook page is filled with photos of her and the children together, showing them on frequent bush walks and beach visits.

Ms Smith ran a business named Farmsmith from her front yard.

In a blog post speaking about her business, Ms Smith made comments about her mental health back in 2021.

“Psychological skills are great when things are going well, and essential during a crisis,” she wrote.

“I feel really grateful that I have access to education and support to understand my mental health better, and it’s been empowering in the chaos that has been the last year, to be able to stop, bring awareness to my experience and then take steps to ensure I look after myself.”

Ms Smith and the boys’ father Mr Smith were separated.

“The loss of our two beautiful boys has caused unimaginable pain and distress,” Mr Smith said in a statement on behalf of himself and family.

“Russell and Ben were happy, funny, outgoing boys, and were very much loved by their family and friends.

“Like other boys their age, they loved sports, soccer, the Penrith Panthers, fishing, books, music, spending time with their friends and Max their pup.