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Minister refuses to answer questions on release of child killer

NSW Mental Health Minister Tanya Davies has refused to be interviewed for a Seven News investigation into the release of child killer Timothy Kosowicz.

Fifteen years ago, Kosowicz confessed to suffocating five-year-old Chloe Hoson to death in his Lansvale caravan, but he was found not guilty due to mental illness.

Seven News recently tracked him down, walking the streets of country Victoria during a visit to his parents.

Seven News found Timothy Kosowicz on holiday in Victoria with his family. Source: 7 News
Seven News found Timothy Kosowicz on holiday in Victoria with his family. Source: 7 News

Seven News approached the minister on behalf of Chloe Hoson's family, who wanted to know why Kosowicz was free, but she gave very few answers and did not respond to further questions.

The minister was asked if she was happy with the "level of secrecy" surrounding Mr Kosowicz's release but the question was not answered.

Pressed again, the minister responded: "The ability of victims of these heinous crimes, there's an ability for them to participate in the process if they wish, and we can certainly ensure if they feel that they haven't had that opportunity, we can certainly ensure that they have been given that opportunity in the future."

NSW Mental Health Minister Tanya Davies avoided questions about Timothy Kosowicz's release. Source: 7 News
NSW Mental Health Minister Tanya Davies avoided questions about Timothy Kosowicz's release. Source: 7 News
Chloe's family found out by accident that Kosowicz had been released.  Source: 7 News
Chloe's family found out by accident that Kosowicz had been released. Source: 7 News

Chloe's family found out by chance that the man who suffocated their little girl and dumped her body in a creek was walking the streets.

Due to legal reasons, the crucial details around his release cannot be reported.

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The NSW government is considering tough new laws that will change the verdict from being found not guilty due to mental illness, to guilty but not responsible.

"I am hopeful because the government has indicated that in May of this year, that this will actually change in NSW, and people will be found guilty, but not legally responsible," victim's advocate Howard Brown said.

Chloe Hoson with her mum. Source: 7 News
Chloe Hoson with her mum. Source: 7 News

Her family is hoping they'll call it Chloe's law.

Asked how it felt to know that Kosowicz was out, Chloe's mum said: "It's like they were saying that she died for nothing.

"That her memory didn't matter."