A 24-year-old woman believed to be the mother of a newborn boy found dead in a rubbish bin at an apartment block in Auburn, western Sydney, has been charged. Police had appealed for help locating her, initially saying their priority was ensuring she received medical care; the case has prompted concern because the baby may have remained in the bin for up to 36 hours.

The infant was discovered naked inside a rubbish bag on 31 August by a local resident. More than two weeks later, police identified the woman, who was taken to hospital for assessment before being arrested after her release; she faces a charge relating to concealing a birth by disposing of the body and has been granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court in October.