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

[by video link] I thank Senator Patrick for the advice on the topic of his question. As Senator Patrick has indicated, the operators of Annie Lockwood House in Whyalla have indicated that they intend to close the facility and they have set a closing date of 26 August. The government has been working closely with the operators of Annie Lockwood Court, Kindred Living, in Whyalla for a considerable period. Senator Patrick would recollect the issues that came to light last year with respect to the care of residents within Annie Lockwood Court. A notice to agree was applied to the facility at that point in time, and that notice to agree remains in place.

We have dedicated staff who work exclusively with the facility, and the facility has dedicated staff appointed to work with the residents and their families to provide suitable alternative accommodation. Kindred Living are aware of their responsibilities to maintain care for the residents. So it's not necessarily a matter of the facility closing on 26 August. Kindred Living are required under the act to support residents and identify alternative suitable accommodation or continue to care for them. I've been working alongside the South Australian government to ensure that there is capacity for the service to provide care— (Time expired)