Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Watt for the question. I also, along with him, express my complete dismay at the events that occurred at Earle Haven on 11 July. What happened was a complete and utter disgrace. How what seems to be a contractual dispute between two parties could descend to the extent that 71 aged and frail Australians were left without care is, quite frankly, beyond me, and I suspect beyond Senator Watt and many others.

I first heard that there were concerns about what was happening at Earle Haven on the afternoon of 11 July. It was first transmitted to me as the suggestion of a facility going into administration. It wasn't until later in the evening, when more detailed reports came to me, that the appearance of a contractual dispute came to light. Later that evening, I had a much fuller briefing from the department, at which the circumstances of the events were then transmitted to me. At this point, I would also like to express my appreciation to, firstly, the staff at Earle Haven, who had the foresight to ring 000 when these events started to unfold, which led to the declaration of an emergency by Queensland Health. I also express my appreciation to Queensland Health for their actions. (Time expired)