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

I wish to add to an answer that I provided to Senator Marshall yesterday in relation to Viewhills Manor home. Yesterday Senator Marshall made some assertions about Viewhills Manor home, claiming it had escaped penalty after failing some accreditation standards. In fact, that home had its accreditation period cut by two years as a result of the finding and it has been placed on a timetable for improvements. It will face another full audit within 12 months to make sure that it is on track.

The report on the agency website also states that the home undertook immediate actions following the review audit to lessen the impact of noncompliance on the residents and has developed an action plan to address the issues. On 17 November 2006 the department issued the home with a notice of noncompliance. This is the first step towards the imposition of sanctions which may be imposed if the deadline is not met. The Australian government has in place a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure any instances of poor care are quickly dealt with. This includes the Commissioner for Complaints, the accreditation agency and the Department of Health and Ageing. The agency and the department will continue to closely monitor Viewhills Manor. The care and safety of all residents of aged-care homes remains the highest priority.