Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I can confirm that Mr Graeme Menere was one of a number of key personnel in Neviskia Pty Ltd, the approved provider for Kenilworth nursing home. Kenilworth nursing home was a home of continuing concern due to certification issues. The conduct of Mr Menere and the approved provider’s continued noncompliance with accreditation standards was of concern. Of course the department imposed sanctions in relation to a number of issues relating to residents in March and September 2000. These decisions, however, were set aside by the AAT in December 2000. Kenilworth nursing home was not accredited by 31 December 2000. As a result of this, the approved provider ceased to be eligible for Commonwealth subsidies in relation to Kenilworth from 1 January 2001.

In relation to Mr Graeme Menere, I understand that he was convicted of an indictable offence in May 1998. Amendments to the Aged Care Act 1997, which commenced in January 2001, make it an offence for a person who has been convicted of an indictable offence to be one of the key personnel of an approved provider. I believe that one of the reasons that the Department of Health and Ageing had imposed sanctions revoking the approved provider status of Saitta Pty Ltd—and this is in relation to the Belvedere home—was because it believed that a disqualified individual, Mr Graeme Menere, was involved in making executive decisions on behalf of the company.

If I have anything to add or clarify on that I will get back to the Senate on that.