Jan McLucas (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Aged Care, Disabilities and Carers) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Santoro, the Minister for Ageing. Can the minister confirm that an inspection of the John Cani Estate hostel in Queensland in November 2005 found residents were at serious risk because of substandard care? Didn’t the agency’s report note: that a registered nurse was only employed for five days a fortnight, despite having 17 high-care residents; that two carers were employed to look after residents in three separate buildings; that, due to lack of staff, residents with dementia regularly absconded; and that acute episodes were not properly followed up, including an incidence of fluid faecal vomiting? Despite these findings, can the minister confirm that it took two months before sanctions were imposed and actions taken to improve care in this facility? Is the minister satisfied with the speed with which the government acted to protect the residents of this facility?

Santo Santoro (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am not aware of the situation that has been described by Senator McLucas. I will certainly seek to acquaint myself as quickly as possible and get a reply to Senator McLucas.

Jan McLucas (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Aged Care, Disabilities and Carers) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Can the minister confirm that under 67-1(2) of the Aged Care Act a sanction may be imposed immediately if there is a risk to the safety of residents? Why wasn’t this power used in the case of the John Cani Estate to immediately protect elderly residents from substandard care?

Santo Santoro (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am aware of the application of that provision. As I said to the senator, I am unaware of the specific circumstances relating to this case. I will seek further information and I will get back directly to the senator.